This is how I feel about coming back to work after vacation....
Stay tuned to see pics from the vacay!!!
1.31.2011
1.27.2011
Judah's 1st Birthday Party: Brainstorming
Judah's first birthday will be in a just under 2 months and in order to keep my life simple and have plenty of time to create the party I'm envisioning, I'm starting the planning process early. I've come up with a theme and have gathered mucho inspiration a la world wide web:
In order to save money, I plan on designing the invitations myself. I was inspired by these gorgeous vintage invites done by Bier Designs. I already have a design done but am not sure I am liking them that much. Oh the woes of a designer. ;)
There are so many ideas I could try to incorporate but I want the planning process to be enjoyable and not stressful. In the end, I may hire out a few things I would normally attempt to DIY myself and I may nix a few ideas I originally had. I want this to be a celebration of my baby to bring fun and joy to our lives; not take away from this special time because I get too caught up in the details. Pray for me;)
As I type this, Jude is sitting on the floor playing adorable with his toys and books. Life is so good right now.
So what do you think, do you have any ideas for me? Do you like planning parties as much as I do?
Vintage Carnival
Snippet and Ink made this mood board and did a fabulous job. The vibe it gives off is exactly what I'm going for- sans the fresh flowers and feminine touches. I plan on bringing in masculine elements... it is my son's birthday after all:) I'm pulling my colors directly from this, focusing on light blue, teal green, golden yellow and an orange-red.
As seen on Birthday Girl and photographed by The Winding Road
The outfit on the little boy in this photo is priceless. I'm looking for a cute striped shirt for Jude to wear and want to give him a sort of "ringmaster" look. I love the pennants hanging from the ceiling and am hoping to have some adorning the dining room.
In order to save money, I plan on designing the invitations myself. I was inspired by these gorgeous vintage invites done by Bier Designs. I already have a design done but am not sure I am liking them that much. Oh the woes of a designer. ;)
Mustaches found at Carnival Creations
I plan on making some mustaches on a stick out of black construction paper and have a fun idea planned for them... you'll have to wait and see what it is.
There are so many ideas I could try to incorporate but I want the planning process to be enjoyable and not stressful. In the end, I may hire out a few things I would normally attempt to DIY myself and I may nix a few ideas I originally had. I want this to be a celebration of my baby to bring fun and joy to our lives; not take away from this special time because I get too caught up in the details. Pray for me;)
As I type this, Jude is sitting on the floor playing adorable with his toys and books. Life is so good right now.
So what do you think, do you have any ideas for me? Do you like planning parties as much as I do?
1.26.2011
where has the time gone?
my baby is turning into a preteen right before my eyes. i generally have a hard time grasping that she is getting older and won't stay my tiny, sweet shoosh forever.
during her first year, i would watch the calendar days and track every month. i would do a mini celebration on the 19th of every month and would make a point to remind brandon that "today is peyton's five month birthday!"...sigh....these days, the 19th comes and goes, and i find myself needing to calculate how old she is every so often. you know, so in case another old lady in the grocery store asks, i won't have to think so hard:)
brandon and i watch the show, "Parenthood" (tuesdays at 9pm on NBC) and it seems after every episode, we find ourselves thanking God that we still have a good decade (plus) before teenage angst enters our home. unfortunately, i fear that this day may be arriving sooner than we think.
let's discuss.
peyton has LOVED cell phones since she could pick one up in her own little, pudgy hands. i can forsee many arguments down the road about using waaaay too many minutes and "why can't i just have unlimited text like all my friends do???" yeeesh...
she has a thing about going into her room and then slamming the door in my face. true, at this point in time, this is a game. but i have a feeling there will be no smiles and giggles later on in life. (this could be after we confiscate her cell phone for going over the allotted minutes. sorry, peyton....it will teach you responsibility:))
miss P is already waving at boys. she also knows how to blow kisses....not a good combo. slightly flirtatious, no?
the proof is in the pudding. here are some prime examples to demonstrate my worries:
exhibit A- already asserting her individualism...and creativity?
exhibit B-the bracelets? uhg. let's wait a few years.
and lastly....
(disclaimer: before anyone calls DHS, please note that this was not open and we were in the middle of packing and moving out of our old place, so the box had found it's way to the floor. and anything on the floor is fair game to her:) i think i walked out of the kitchen for a minute and came back to this little stinker. we think she is too smart for her own good:))
who am i kidding? she's a great kid. i couldn't have asked for a better one. and she cute too:)
all you varsity moms out there, feel free to assure me that these behaviors are normal...because, 16 months later, sometimes i feel like i have no idea what i am doing. any other moms feel this way??? please share!
 |
| so little. 3 months old. |
during her first year, i would watch the calendar days and track every month. i would do a mini celebration on the 19th of every month and would make a point to remind brandon that "today is peyton's five month birthday!"...sigh....these days, the 19th comes and goes, and i find myself needing to calculate how old she is every so often. you know, so in case another old lady in the grocery store asks, i won't have to think so hard:)
brandon and i watch the show, "Parenthood" (tuesdays at 9pm on NBC) and it seems after every episode, we find ourselves thanking God that we still have a good decade (plus) before teenage angst enters our home. unfortunately, i fear that this day may be arriving sooner than we think.
let's discuss.
peyton has LOVED cell phones since she could pick one up in her own little, pudgy hands. i can forsee many arguments down the road about using waaaay too many minutes and "why can't i just have unlimited text like all my friends do???" yeeesh...
she has a thing about going into her room and then slamming the door in my face. true, at this point in time, this is a game. but i have a feeling there will be no smiles and giggles later on in life. (this could be after we confiscate her cell phone for going over the allotted minutes. sorry, peyton....it will teach you responsibility:))
miss P is already waving at boys. she also knows how to blow kisses....not a good combo. slightly flirtatious, no?
the proof is in the pudding. here are some prime examples to demonstrate my worries:
exhibit A- already asserting her individualism...and creativity?
exhibit B-the bracelets? uhg. let's wait a few years.
 |
| "like, talk to the hand..." |
and lastly....
(disclaimer: before anyone calls DHS, please note that this was not open and we were in the middle of packing and moving out of our old place, so the box had found it's way to the floor. and anything on the floor is fair game to her:) i think i walked out of the kitchen for a minute and came back to this little stinker. we think she is too smart for her own good:))
who am i kidding? she's a great kid. i couldn't have asked for a better one. and she cute too:)
all you varsity moms out there, feel free to assure me that these behaviors are normal...because, 16 months later, sometimes i feel like i have no idea what i am doing. any other moms feel this way??? please share!
1.24.2011
Straight from the Diary Itself
October 11th, 2007
Wow girls...
It's been five years since the last time we wrote in this book. I can't believe how much life has changed since then. You two are happily married, and I'm on my way (?!?!) Maggie is still with Brandon ("I want Brandon to be the one I marry"~Maggie....how funny), and Rach, look at where we've been and how thankful for where we are today.
It is funny to see how we used to talk. We thought we were so mature then, but how much more we are now. Reading all of our sayings and inside jokes makes me smile, but some of them I can't remember what the "joke" was! Which that makes me kind of sad. We still hold true to being lifelong friends...this journal is truly amazing when you think of it. It documents so much of us and is testimony to God's work in ALL of our lives and our friendship. It reminds me of all our amazing moments and memories.
It's funny how life changes, because it was different then. We had stresses, but overall life was more simple. I'm interested to see what's in store for our lives...life was good then, now, and will be in the future but in all completely different ways.
But, despite life changing, there are a few things that remain the same...you two are two of those things. Not many people have a Maggie and Rachel in their lives. Thank you for all of the yesterdays, todays, and for the tomorrows...thank you for remaining the same.
♥I love you two♥
Love always,
Hannah Joyce
Happy 22nd Birthday, Beautiful Maggie!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahhh...does a heart good. :)
Wow girls...
It's been five years since the last time we wrote in this book. I can't believe how much life has changed since then. You two are happily married, and I'm on my way (?!?!) Maggie is still with Brandon ("I want Brandon to be the one I marry"~Maggie....how funny), and Rach, look at where we've been and how thankful for where we are today.
It is funny to see how we used to talk. We thought we were so mature then, but how much more we are now. Reading all of our sayings and inside jokes makes me smile, but some of them I can't remember what the "joke" was! Which that makes me kind of sad. We still hold true to being lifelong friends...this journal is truly amazing when you think of it. It documents so much of us and is testimony to God's work in ALL of our lives and our friendship. It reminds me of all our amazing moments and memories.
It's funny how life changes, because it was different then. We had stresses, but overall life was more simple. I'm interested to see what's in store for our lives...life was good then, now, and will be in the future but in all completely different ways.
But, despite life changing, there are a few things that remain the same...you two are two of those things. Not many people have a Maggie and Rachel in their lives. Thank you for all of the yesterdays, todays, and for the tomorrows...thank you for remaining the same.
♥I love you two♥
Love always,
Hannah Joyce
Happy 22nd Birthday, Beautiful Maggie!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahhh...does a heart good. :)
1.21.2011
It's Friday!!
and I'm leaving tomorrow for Mexico folks! For ONE WHOLE WEEK!!
This is pretty much how I feel right about now...
I'll try to bring some sunshine back with me! :)
1.20.2011
BFFs
Do I not have the best friends in the entire world? Gosh.
Between these two posts (one & two), all the other kind things they've said to me in my life, things they do for me all the time, ways these ladies have loved me and times we've shared, a girl could have no better friends. I know you probably don't care but I just have to shout from the rooftops how special Hannah and Maggie are to me.
I could talk for hours about how they've changed my life, which I'm sure you will hear as the posts go by, but for now, I mainly wanted them to know that their kind words mean a lot to me. And if you think we talk about each other too much, then you have probably never laughed so hard you peed your pants, talked on the phone for 5 hours straight, rapped to Ja Rule in your bedroom, sobbed on your friend's shoulder over a boy, saw rings exchanged and bellies grow through the long and beautiful years of a best friendship. I mean that's what life's about, right?
A little encouragement can mean so much in a world where girls compare and rip each other to pieces. I still vividly remember the early stages of our friendship and totally not even believing how sweet my new friends were to me. I was used to the roller coaster ride of High School friendships and didn't know what to do when my friends loved me no matter what. I look back at our year book entries to one another:
Excerpts from Hannah in 2001:
This year has been an awesome experience because it was with you. I don't know what I would do without you Rach! You brighten up all my days and mend my heart when it's broken. You are always willing to listen to me and are the best friend anyone could ever wish to have. I am so lucky God brought you into my life. He has something special planned for us... and I believe it's a forever lasting friendship. I am always here for you, heck I would come over in the middle of the night if you needed me, just to be with you.
Excerpts From Maggie in 2002:
My beautiful Angel. Oh Man- what to say? I don't think you realize how much you've helped me grow this past year. I look back and wonder how I ever made it through this crazy world without my Crazie Rachie;) You have always been ready for me to lay my problems on you. You single-handedly have given me advice that I couldn't possibly thank you enough for. You, me, Han and Jesus are going to touch the world. I could fill up this whole yearbook with reasons why I love Rachel.Lauren.Larrison.
I remember being so moved by those loving words. I share these today, not for my benefit but because I want you to see how beautiful my friends are. Their hearts are some of the most wonderful in this whole world. And I thank God for them and the way they have changed and loved me.
There truly are very few things in this life more wonderful than a special friendship. And I can say firsthand, when you find a friend this special, you just CAN'T let them go. I love you, Hannah and Maggie. Forever.
Between these two posts (one & two), all the other kind things they've said to me in my life, things they do for me all the time, ways these ladies have loved me and times we've shared, a girl could have no better friends. I know you probably don't care but I just have to shout from the rooftops how special Hannah and Maggie are to me.
I could talk for hours about how they've changed my life, which I'm sure you will hear as the posts go by, but for now, I mainly wanted them to know that their kind words mean a lot to me. And if you think we talk about each other too much, then you have probably never laughed so hard you peed your pants, talked on the phone for 5 hours straight, rapped to Ja Rule in your bedroom, sobbed on your friend's shoulder over a boy, saw rings exchanged and bellies grow through the long and beautiful years of a best friendship. I mean that's what life's about, right?
A little encouragement can mean so much in a world where girls compare and rip each other to pieces. I still vividly remember the early stages of our friendship and totally not even believing how sweet my new friends were to me. I was used to the roller coaster ride of High School friendships and didn't know what to do when my friends loved me no matter what. I look back at our year book entries to one another:
Excerpts from Hannah in 2001:
This year has been an awesome experience because it was with you. I don't know what I would do without you Rach! You brighten up all my days and mend my heart when it's broken. You are always willing to listen to me and are the best friend anyone could ever wish to have. I am so lucky God brought you into my life. He has something special planned for us... and I believe it's a forever lasting friendship. I am always here for you, heck I would come over in the middle of the night if you needed me, just to be with you.
Excerpts From Maggie in 2002:
My beautiful Angel. Oh Man- what to say? I don't think you realize how much you've helped me grow this past year. I look back and wonder how I ever made it through this crazy world without my Crazie Rachie;) You have always been ready for me to lay my problems on you. You single-handedly have given me advice that I couldn't possibly thank you enough for. You, me, Han and Jesus are going to touch the world. I could fill up this whole yearbook with reasons why I love Rachel.Lauren.Larrison.
I remember being so moved by those loving words. I share these today, not for my benefit but because I want you to see how beautiful my friends are. Their hearts are some of the most wonderful in this whole world. And I thank God for them and the way they have changed and loved me.
There truly are very few things in this life more wonderful than a special friendship. And I can say firsthand, when you find a friend this special, you just CAN'T let them go. I love you, Hannah and Maggie. Forever.
1.19.2011
juicy news
today is a special day for our very own wonder woman, rachel.
many of you may or may not know, that a few months back, rachel launched her own business via the world wide web. she created a website titled Des Moines Wedding Savvy as a resource for brides planning their wedding in the Des Moines area. as her site clearly states, DMWS is "Des Moines' most comprehensive vendor listing." a one stop shop, if you will, for brides (and grooms) to search for anything wedding related.
as a bride herself (almost five years ago?!), she found herself searching all over the map for the perfect vendors. finally, in early 2009, while helping our good friend plan her wedding, the idea of Des Moines Wedding Savvy was born. shortly after, rachel's son Judah was born:) so DMWS was put on the back burner for while, so rachel could find her footing as a mama.
but between feedings, diaper changes and nap times, the wheels in her brain were spinning. and if you know rachel, you know that she is one determined lady. the idea of Des Moines Wedding Savvy was not swallowed up by cloth diapers or spit up. in october of 2010, DMWS came into existence. since then, rachel has clocked in many hours researching, blogging and meeting with vendors. through the power of the internet, many local business owners have heard about rachel and her site, thus making today newsworthy!
Juice, a Des Moines Register affiliate, will be featuring Des Moines Wedding Savvy in their annual wedding guide and will be out on news stands today! rachel has worked her little buns off for opportunities such as this and definitely deserves to be recognized! not only does she blog for Des Moines Wedding Savvy and The Wonder Woman Diaries, but she also keeps up with her personal family blog too. not to mention all the other normal wife and mom duties. talk about wonder woman:)
so even if you have already walked down the aisle and aren't in need of any bridal information, still check out www.desmoinesweddingsavvy.com and you can marvel at all of rachel's hard work. and maybe pass the word along to a bride that you know:)
go here to view the Juice article. scroll down to see rach's gorgeous mug:)
many of you may or may not know, that a few months back, rachel launched her own business via the world wide web. she created a website titled Des Moines Wedding Savvy as a resource for brides planning their wedding in the Des Moines area. as her site clearly states, DMWS is "Des Moines' most comprehensive vendor listing." a one stop shop, if you will, for brides (and grooms) to search for anything wedding related.
as a bride herself (almost five years ago?!), she found herself searching all over the map for the perfect vendors. finally, in early 2009, while helping our good friend plan her wedding, the idea of Des Moines Wedding Savvy was born. shortly after, rachel's son Judah was born:) so DMWS was put on the back burner for while, so rachel could find her footing as a mama.
but between feedings, diaper changes and nap times, the wheels in her brain were spinning. and if you know rachel, you know that she is one determined lady. the idea of Des Moines Wedding Savvy was not swallowed up by cloth diapers or spit up. in october of 2010, DMWS came into existence. since then, rachel has clocked in many hours researching, blogging and meeting with vendors. through the power of the internet, many local business owners have heard about rachel and her site, thus making today newsworthy!
Juice, a Des Moines Register affiliate, will be featuring Des Moines Wedding Savvy in their annual wedding guide and will be out on news stands today! rachel has worked her little buns off for opportunities such as this and definitely deserves to be recognized! not only does she blog for Des Moines Wedding Savvy and The Wonder Woman Diaries, but she also keeps up with her personal family blog too. not to mention all the other normal wife and mom duties. talk about wonder woman:)
so even if you have already walked down the aisle and aren't in need of any bridal information, still check out www.desmoinesweddingsavvy.com and you can marvel at all of rachel's hard work. and maybe pass the word along to a bride that you know:)
go here to view the Juice article. scroll down to see rach's gorgeous mug:)
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