LiFe {unscripted}

Birthday's are Kind of a Big Deal to Us

It's been a few days since I blogged last.  I gave myself permission to miss a week or so to take something off to-do list, so that I could put more energy and time into making her birthday week super special. 

Birthdays are a kind of a big deal to us.  As parents.  As kids at heart.

Yesterday was her actual birthday.  It was such a beautiful and special day.  She had school, but to her, that was a great part because she got to see her friends and teachers who she loves so much.  They sang happy birthday to her three times and had delicious and super special cupcakes that her "Great (as in the best) Aunt Stace" made! 

We had a small but special family dinner with homemade lasagna and she opened her presents. 

Before eating the most amazing birthday cake that a sweet friend made, we had a surprise for her...

 

It's okay, if you fast forward to the end, I just wanted to capture her at this age.  How she talks right now. How she answers questions right now.  How her reasoning and thoughts form right now. Her facial expressions right now.  Everything.little.thing.

But especially, her reaction to the news she has been asking for and talking about for the past 2 years. 

Her reaction was like sunshine and cotton candy and all of the most amazing laughing-until-you-cry kind of feels. 

God is great.  All of the time.

Friday Favorites

1.  This beautiful "Embrace the journey" cuff one of my best friends gave me for Galentine's!  The message means so much to me, and I absolutely love the story behind the start of this company, Rustic Cuff.  It's so inspiring!

2. I've been meaning to post about this shirt for a while. 

The black gingham button down I am wearing here.  I searched for one at all my go-to places like Old Navy, Gap, etc. and could not find one that I liked.  Those places either had ruffle sleeves or some sort of embroidery patch on the chest.  That wasn't what I wanted.  I wanted just a simple black gingham button down. 

Should have known, I could find one on Amazon.  Yup, right here, and it comes in several different colors.  The reviews were good and I took the advice of those reviews and definitely ordered several sizes up - I normally wear a medium in Old Navy button downs...I ordered a 2XL in this shirt from Amazon.  It was worth it - it fit just like I like button downs to fit.  Not too snug in the bust area, but close fitting enough to not look baggy.  Also, did I mention that it was less than twenty-five bucks and ships with Prime?! Well it does.  Win, win, win. 

I keep meaning to order other colors but I'm waiting for spring.

3. Adam and I started this show, Imposters, on Netflix on Monday this week.  It's killing me to not watch ahead, but it's the first show in a while that we have found that we both enjoy! 

4.  Rockin Green Active Wear Detergent.

I first saw their ad on Facebook and was kinda skeptical.  Okay, very skeptical.  I have thrown away several sports bras and even my favorite black shorty shorts because after wearing them multiple times, they just never smelled "fresh" again.  I've tried lots of detergents from the store.  I've tried fabric softeners, and even just straight up baking soda.  I eventually started rinsing out my workout clothes in the shower with me after I wear them.  That helped, but then I immediately had to start the washing machine or they would still not smell super fresh. 

So I was completely skeptical but curious. 

I read the reviews, visited their website, and then I found that you could purchase it from Amazon.  So I tried it.  I mean, Prime shipping, am I right?.

Y'all.  IT WORKS. 

I even went back and pulled out some already clean "washed" work-out gear and re-washed it with this stuff - GAME CHANGER.  And I am not talking about it smells fresh until you wear them and start sweating again and then the "odor" comes back.  I am talking, smells as fresh as the day I pulled the tags off it -  throughout my whole sweat sesh.  And those of you who know me, know that I don't "delicately" sweat.  Especially in the spring and summer months, I sweat like a man.  Probably more than some men, even. 

I am sold.  This stuff is awesome. 

Now I am regretting throwing away my favorite black shorty shorts.  Dang.

5. This girl on Instagram.  Thegraytergood.  Her lettering is so inspiring and fun, but what I really LOVE about her is the humor and sarcasm that comes out in her projects!!! She's really funny, and so very talented.

6.  These photos from October 2017. 

This kiddo wearing an outfit she picked out for herself, playing outside, chewing a big hunk of gum, and acting way too grown up and throwing me the peace sign as I took photos of her.  I remember the light that evening was gorgeous and she just seemed so happy being at home playing outside and didn't mind me following her around with my big camera.  The top photo only took 5-10 shots to get both of us in focus, but it was worth every try.  Friday favorite.  Forever favorite.

 

Friday Favorites

1.  This photo of Ellis.  Taken Wednesday after school.  She was sitting at the kitchen counter eating a snack of Tomato soup and crackers and simultaneously playing with all her characters. 

This photo is more than just a representation of that day for me.  It's a representation of being intentional.  Intentionally taking the extra few minutes to grab my big camera and snap a photo or three of her.  I go through seasons with my big camera in hand a lot - and then other seasons forgetting it all together. Either way, just five minutes capturing her on this day at this exact age with tomato soup around her mouth makes me happy. 

2. I picked up these two books a week or so ago after a couple recommendations from my oily friends. 

Both books are beautifully made.  The photos that go along with the recipes and information are gorgeous.  Both are so informative for the beginner, as well as the seasoned oil user. 

Oil and Glass has is more of a recipe-type book that has awesome tried and tested DIY oil recipes.  The book has eight great sections: Health & Wellness, Body Woes, Beauty & Skincare, Babies & Children, Home & Garden, Pregnancy & Birth, Mind, Body & Spirit, and Diffuser Favorites & Supplies. 

The Oily Life Guide is a great book for folks who are just beginning their journey with oils and how to utilize their Premium Starter Kit.

Both books are available at Life Science Products and Publishing, but Oil and Glass is also available on Amazon.com. 

3. This font: Bhatoshine.  Available here, at Creative Market. 

I used this font to cut out the "Thieves" label for my spray bottle earlier this week.  And I have used it a LOT since I bought it for lots of purposes.  It's a fun hand brushed font that's bold enough for titles.  It also comes with a great all caps typeface font to pair it with. 

4. One of my favorite "punniest love quotes" thus far this month from the Letter Pixels lettering challenge.

I am trying to work a day ahead on these this month, so I finished this one last night.  I showed it to Adam and he smiled and said, "Thanks, babe!"  I'm pretty sure that counts as my Valentine to him this year.  Kidding...kind of. 

5.  Finally, another diffuser combo. 

Adam's "office" is off the kitchen.  I have been diffusing this combo in the kitchen this week because Adam has been doing a lot of hard and time consuming work at his desk this week.  I love the smell of all of them - and really all of them alone are like magical oil, so why not combine the for triple the magic?!  I called it the Grind combo because he even commented that it smelled great while he "grinded away."

 

 

Tuesday Tales from Motherhood: a few photos and a list.

On this particular day back in November, Ellis went with me downtown to take Aunt Rach and Uncle Lee's Christmas photos.  She did a great job being patient and letting me snap some photos.  Being that she has had a camera in her face from day one, in the past, she has not been the easiest child to photograph.  She likes to move and move fast.  But on this particular afternoon, she was more than happy to take some photos in front of the Christmas decor because in her words, "Mama, I have my Christmas shirt and sockies on!" 

Not sure what the difference was - maybe it's because she is closer to five than three now.  Older, more patient.  Maybe because she felt like entertaining Rach and Lee.  Or maybe it was just that she had on her Christmas cat shirt and Christmas Mickey Mouse socks. 

Either way, I am so happy that she was engaging and entertaining and allowed me to snap some photos of her on this day.  No particular reason why, I just suddenly feel like time is so fleeting.  Looking back on these photos from this afternoon in November, my heart breaks a little to know that her fifth birthday is just around the corner. 

And so the list that I mentioned. 

I came across this list on Pinterest the other day and it really made me think.  I always ask her how her day was when I pick her up from school.  And I really try to ask her at bedtime what her favorite part of the day was, but I just loved how this list was full of great questions to also ask her about her day. 

Some of the questions seem super simple like I should know how to come up with them by myself, but on a fast paced afternoon of pick up and head for the next activity I am the first to admit I am not the best at engagement with talk.  Getting in the habit of these super simple questions is something I would like to be more mindful of.  Especially as she gets older lines of communication become even more important. 

So i just wanted to share this here.  It's from Parent Co.

Questions a kid will answer at the end of a long school day:

1. What did you eat for lunch?
2. Did you catch anyone picking their nose?
3. What games did you play at recess?
4. What was the funniest thing that happened today?
5. Did anyone do anything super nice for you?
6. What was the nicest thing you did for someone else?
7. Who made you smile today?
8. Which one of your teachers would survive a zombie apocalypse? Why?
9. What new fact did you learn today?
10. Who brought the best food in their lunch today? What was it?
11. What challenged you today?
12. If school were a ride at the fair, which ride would it be? Why?
13. What would you rate your day on a scale of 1 to 10? Why?
14. If one of your classmates could be the teacher for the day who would you want it to be? Why?
15. If you had the chance to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you teach the class?
16. Did anyone push your buttons today?
17. Who do you want to make friends with but haven’t yet? Why not?
18. What is your teacher’s most important rule?
19. What is the most popular thing to do at recess?
20. Does your teacher remind you of anyone else you know? How?
21. Tell me something you learned about a friend today.
22. If aliens came to school and beamed up 3 kids, who do you wish they would take? Why?
23. What is one thing you did today that was helpful?
24. When did you feel most proud of yourself today?
25. What rule was the hardest to follow today?
26. What is one thing you hope to learn before the school year is over?
27. Which person in your class is your exact opposite?
28. Which area of your school is the most fun?
29. Which playground skill do you plan to master this year?
30. Does anyone in your class have a hard time following the rules?

 

Currently

Last real photo taken of me by me:

a head shot I took with my big camera, tripod, and remote a day after my 36th birthday.  Taken for this website that my super talented and kind team leader, Kristina, created for our oil biz. Side note: I just had to look up how old I am...I honestly couldn’t remember if I turned 36 or 37. Some days I feel 25 and others I feel 65. I know I can’t be alone in that. 

time: 3:04 PM
location: Austin Center for Endodontics. Ellis and I brought my sister here to have her tooth worked on...hoping for a bonus Target run after...if the patient is up to it, of course.
watching: thinking about starting 9-1-1 after a friend recommended it.
eating: Nothing right now, but made a delicious cucumber and tomato salad last night with extra lemon juice and salt.  That sounds good right now.
drinking: water with lime...I’m sensing a trend here, but I am always up for salt and sour.
wanting: the weather to warm up a bit...I am not quite ready for summer, but 50s/60s would be nice.
needing: to start planning Ellis’ fifth birthday party...gah, how is my baby already almost five?!
loving: finding her drawings on my iPad Pro. And also hearing the stories or descriptions that come along with anything she draws.  

She is also very into writing names. Nearly every paper that comes home from school now has “Ellis Becky Adam” written on the top of it with hearts. 

 

This one, from the IPad, also has her cousin, Orren’s name...she is very excited to see him this weekend. 

 

Tea Party on Thanksgiving Day

Tuesdays Tale from Motherhood comes from this past Thanksgiving Day.

Our bellies had been filled, and we enjoyed the rest of the evening with wonderful family fellowship and conversations with the occasional graze over the buffet of desserts and snacks. 

I was in the dining room of my aunt and uncle's home playing Uno with my cousins when my Aunt Sherri came to tell me that I just had to see what Ellis was doing in the living room.

She and my mom had set up an entire tea party for my grandparents (her great grandparents), with real tea. 

Among all the memories I want her to truly keep in her heart forever are the one's that she made with her great-grandparents.  I am so grateful that they are still with us and able to watch her grow, and be a part of her growth.  They love and dote on her so much, it feels like my heart might explode sometimes - like it did on this day. 

The four of them were in conversation about how good the "real tea" tasted.

As the tea party and the day wrapped up, I could sense what Ellis was feeling and it made me tear up a bit. I could tell that she was not ready for the day to be over.  She was enjoying the time spent with family as much as I did when I was her age and still do to this day.  She was genuinely experiencing the comfort and joy that comes from family...something that she has had from the beginning, but being four years old this year, I could tell, made it all make so much more sense than the years before. 

When moments like this take place, I am always grateful to have my big camera on hand so that I can capture things just as they are. 

Family that comes together with gratitude for each other and the blessings that God provides, enjoying the now, and keeping it for always.

 

 

 

Friday Favorites

 A few things that are making me happy/keeping me sane/stretching me creatively/helping me to dig deep/find my inner ballerina/AND reminisce.

1. Golden Bowls (making me happy).

When I have baking or cooking to do, it always makes it more enjoyable if I am doing so with utensils that function well, but are also pretty to look at.  These bowls, from Target, function well not just as mixing bowls, but the white part at the bottom is rubber (unlike my last set of mixing bowls). That helps them from sliding around on the counter top while I mix and add to them. 

2. Favorite EO scent to diffuse lately (keeping me sane/making me happy).

This blend of essential oils smells delicious. So fresh and clean.  Perfect scent for the kitchen or near your desk to keep the stress at bay. I almost always love any diffusing blend that contains Stress Away.

3. Digital Lettering (stretching me creatively).
My awesome husband took my (not so subtle) hints, and gifted me an Ipad Pro and Apple Pencil for Christmas.  After seeing so many beautiful digital hand lettering over the past year, I could not wait to dive in. It's really very fun, but the learning curve - yikes.  So I did some researching and came across an artist, Holly Pixels,  that I had already known and loved who was launching a FREE digital lettering class.  Since I already knew her work from here on Etsy, I could not wait to get started.  And it is so awesome.  I am only a few lessons in, but the videos are so helpful and full of tips and tricks to practice.  For $20 you can also buy the gorgeous PDF workbook that also has lots of practice sheets and written tips and tricks to refer to. I did, and it's so worth it!

4. Cleaning out (helping me to dig deep - literally).
I have been on a kick of cleaning out.  It started with a few cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, and now I am on to our spare bedroom/my crafting stash.  Turns out, I am a hoarder of all the things crafty.  But I am digging deep and trying to stay with the mindset that if I am not using it now, someone somewhere COULD be using it.  Some things will go to friends who craft, and some will be donated.  I have done some deep digging in drawers and in my heart and have realized that hanging on to stuff will not save the memories.  The memories are already in my heart, and letting go of the items does not mean that the memories will go. 

5. Les Mills Barre (finding my inner ballerina).

I found this class last year when I decided to subscribe to Les Mills on Demand for the days I am not able to make it into the gym.  It's a 30 minute workout that incorporates strength training into ballet inspired moves.  I quickly fell in love with the program and added it to the end of my Friday workouts (generally 45 minutes of Les Mills RPM).  I love the combination of the two.  It works my muscles (with light weight and lots of reps), engages my core, and the moves just make me feel like a ballerina.  There are two releases available only on Les Mills on Demand, but this year I believe will start showing up in gyms around the United States.  For now, if you want to try it, you will have to subscribe to Les Mills on Demand.
When I was a little girl, the first memory I have of being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I remember I drew a ballerina.  Dreams do come true...sometimes just in different ways than we originally imagined.

6. Favorite Recent Photo (reminisce).
This one was taken by Adam, on a Sunday in late November (11-22-17). It's rare that we are both in a photo together that's taken with my big camera.  That day was a good day.  That Sunday was the first time that she and I went flying with Adam.  We both loved it but more than that, it was a lesson for this mama in letting go and having faith. It was a good day and I am so happy that we took some photos with my big camera once we were back on the ground and home.

 

Currently 01-11-18

currents:
time: 12:22PM
location: Home.
watching: Nothing right now, but shamelessly restarted Real Housewives of Beverly Hills the other day...I'm already on season three.  gah.
eating: Almonds, but about to go make lunch.
drinking: just finished my 2nd cup of coffee.
wanting: to finish cleaning out my craft room.  I started last week, and it's slowly coming together, but it's a BIG job...had no idea how much stuff I had in there.
needing: to get up earlier. Morning person, I may never be.
loving: Age 4 and three quarters.  Almost 5.  And that I thought quick enough to grab my camera the other day when Ellis decided she wanted to make Lemonade and had all of the stuff set out on the kitchen counter when I walked into the kitchen.  I obliged because it was so cute that she initiated all of it, and did a great job setting everything up. 

creating: a space for my desktop Mac.
thinking: about what I can make for lunch.
listening:  Imogen Heap.  An old favorite, always makes me happy.
excited: for a 1.5 hour massage I have scheduled on Saturday.  Also a weekend of no plans but to spend quality time at home.

 

Tuesday Tales from Motherhood

 

 

Just a few days over a year ago...

These photos were taken on January 3, 2017.

Our girl with her new stuffed animal, Freddie, that she had just gotten the month before in the Dallas Love Airport toy store...her treat/bribe so she would be a cool and calm flyer.  And she was. 

This being the first time for Tales from Motherhood on here, I truly didn't have anything pressing I wanted to say.  So I thought I would share a couple photos from this time last year.  Low and behold, it brings up the age old saying, "how does time fly by so fast in motherhood?!" It's hard to believe it's been a whole year since these photos were taken. She looks so much the same, but so much different too.  Her baby cheeks are quickly thinning out and she's grown what seems like five inches since.  I am exaggerating of course, but she is quite taller just in the past few months. 

But at the same time, a few things remain the same. 

• She still adores and needs her leopard print "B" that she is sitting on.
• Her hair is still curly curly...just longer now.
• She still twists her hair (like she had on the right side in these photos).
• Freddie is still a member of our stuffed animal family and always seems to "make the cut" when we are choosing things to donate.
• And the love that I have for her is strong just like that very day. 
• Being her mama is still the very best job I could have ever dreamed of having. 
• Some days are still a struggle, but the older she gets, the easier our days are.  

Our days at home are mundane and simple and don't always involve glitz or even getting out of our pajamas on some days (like today!), but goodness, there is no place I'd rather be.

 

Her 3rd Birthday: Cake

Since the girl could talk, anytime I would mention that it was someone's birthday, she would immediately reply in inquiry, "CAAAAKE??!!!"  As in, will there be cake?!

The few months leading up to her third birthday, she really had not defined what theme she wanted for her party.  Brainstorming, I realized what better theme than just CAKE.  Being the art teacher (and lover of Pop Art), Wayne Thiebaud's Cakes.

Unable to find a print to work for the invites, I decided to draw my own and watercolor it, scan it in and add the text in illustrator.

Then and there, the theme was born.

 The front of the invitation:

And the back (she literally said this days before I sent these to the printer):

The party. 

I re-used this garland that I made for her first birthday - I just added glitter to the letters to change them up a bit. 

These were the main decoration.  The HUGE cakes.

About two months before her party, a friend of mine made some large dice for my brother-in-laws birthday party.  At the time, I asked her if she might be interested in helping me come up with some ideas for Ellis' party.  I pulled up the original Wayne Thiebaud painting on my phone and she immediately had an idea.  I could literally see the light bulb on top of her head!!!  (I LOVE CREATIVE PEOPLE!)  She said, "We could make them from concrete forms from Home Depot!"  And I was like, "OMG!  You are a genius!!!" I would not have even thought of it.  She is responsible for these amazing works of art!  Concrete forms, felt, yarn, and hot glue!!! 

The first one she made and sent pictures of, I literally felt my heart do flips of happiness :) Perfection.

I made the letters on the mantle like I did her alphabet wall.  The Land of Nod banner I found on eBay, gently used, but in great condition!  The 24X30 Insta Poster was printed by Persnickety Prints.  All of the photos are from my Instagram feed that I have taken of her from the day she turned two, until she turned almost three...minus 6 or 7 photos because you can only print 60 photos on this size poster.  

We decorated the tables with cookies to decorate cookies! 

I made five batches of sugar cookies, and two batches of royal icing using the awesome instructions from Alison's Cookie Party class...of which I have been addicted to  - making sugar cookies that turn out like works of art is so.much.FUN!!!  That' s a whole other post in itself - cause I'm obsessed.

Colorful plates to keep the sprinkles on the floor to a minimum.  A few colors of royal icing in squeeze-y bottles, a tray of sugar cookies, little cups with lots of different sprinkles in them, some colorful paper doilies for spots of color, and mini glass slices of cake (actually salt and pepper shakers) from Cracker Barrel for decoration.  Under each plate was a plastic bag and twisty tie so guest could take their decorated cookies home. 

But the MOST awesome part of each table could be found on the backs of the chairs...

My sister.  My talented, amazing sister, volunteered to sew homemade aprons for each kiddo we invited!  She used fat quarters in the most delicious fabrics, her time and talent, to create mini-aprons for kids.  Insert ALL THE HEART EYES here!!!!  They were absolutely perfect.  Each sweet kiddo that came got to take their apron home as a party favor. 

My sister is better than you sister ;)  Or rather, Ellis' aunt is the BEST AUNT EVER!!! :)))

 

At each place mat I put a little bookmark I created using my inspired watercolor at as a party favor as well. 

A quote from Wayne Thiebaud.

And a "thank you for coming" on the back. 

Cookies were decorated. 

Sprinkles, icing, cookies, and laughter were shared among family and "Sinds" (friends).

My wonderful family came...some even fitting into the aprons and making delicious works of art cookies. 

Oh, and super hero fabric was used for the boys that came (insert more HEART EYES!).

And the cakes.  OH.THE.CAKE.

Thirteen. 

Twelve made by our local bakery, Flour Power, who did an amazing job recreating the cakes from the painting.

And one Dora Cake made by my talented and sister of a friend, Amy, who so lovingly volunteered literally days before, to make a Dora cake.  At the last minute (like the week of), Ellis announced "I have DORA cake for my birthday!"  (Insert blank stare from me! "You what??!!!")  THANK GOD for loving friends who don't blink an eye or hesitate to help. 

Each cake not only looked super cute, but tasted even better!!!

I made the banner using cardstock, paper punches, and my sewing machine.  Surprisingly to me, it only required like 1 or 2 12X12 sheets of each color of cardstock for a long strand.  And once punched, the sewing went really fast. 

We sang.

She did great blowing out the candles. 

And boy did she eat a huge hunk of cake!  We all did. 

I hired Ashley again from Ashley's Twist and Paint, and man, this woman is awesome!  She is always such a magician with the kids - keeping them entertained and enchanted with her balloon twisting skills. 

This little doll baby scooted around in her walker and hung with the big kids like a champ!!!  I just love her so. 

And this year, even Ellis was interested in the face painting.  She was willing to sit still long enough for a darling design!

A last minute party favor - I was at the Dollar Store grabbing paper towels and saw these cute mini gumball machines (I think they were for Easter).  Grabbed the whole box for under $14 and attached a bookmark and a balloon to them. 

All the sugar and excitement meant that this is the kind of photos I mostly captured of her.  Blurs. 

And a couple towards the end when she started to wind down. 

This next picture we captured at the end of the party.  I wish I had taken more with all of my friends who came to celebrate our girl with us.  But these two (and my sister) completely stole my heart upon the end of the party.  They did something so very thoughtful and heartfelt that I was literally dumb-founded and speechless. 

During the party, they took lots of photos with their big cameras.  I had my own, of course, but with the busy-ness of hosting, I only took a handful before guests started arriving. 

So before we started saying our good byes, they both turned their camera's over, popped open the SD card spot, and handed me their SD cards saying, "oh yeah, these are yours babe!"  My face was like, "huh?!  what?!  I don't understand."  It genuinely caught me completely by surprise and took me a few seconds to stand there and realize that they were giving me all the photos they had taken.  And even better than that, I would be in the photos  - not just behind the camera. 

To this day, as I type it out, my heart is still so touched by the thoughtfulness and I am so grateful for their friendship and to know them. 

Thanks to them, I have lots of AWESOME photos of that special day (many are in this post!!!). 

Megan is the girl to the far right.  She is also the supremely talented creator of the large cakes up top!  Abbie is next to Megan - she has a heart of gold. 

We made our way home - (only a five minute drive) and upon pulling into the drive I turned around to ask her if she had a great day...

I took this as a "yes!"

Her third party was so much fun. 

Full of dearly loved family and friends that feel like family.

It was so very memorable.

And in all the meanings of the word, 

it was sweet. 

 

An album of all the photos from the party can be seen here!