Fresh Grace Mama

Winter Fun

2012-02-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

Get it? Cause our last name is Winter and we are currently in the winter season?! Nevermind. We are counting down the days til spring around here. We've had lots of days where we have not set foot out of the door. We just stay in and create ~~messes~~ memories. Do you have any idea how many tiny-piece-of-toy items a one year old can pull out and toss around a room in any given ten minutes of time? It is really kind of unbelievable. And SO fun to clean up! I feel a certain amount of guilt over sun-up to sun-down cartoon viewing, so here's what I've come up with as alternatives. Other than playing outside, the longest any of these activities lasts is about 10 minutes.

We love these water color paint books. Target usually carries them, but you have to dig.

Puzzle station entertained the little one for about 3 minutes. Oh well. It was worth a try.

Playdough.

Baking. Reading. Bubble baths during the middle of the day. Valentine-making. Fort-building. Dancing to iTunes. Cleaning the bathrooms with Mommy (so helpful). Snacking. Whining. That about sums it up.

We were back outside today as soon as the mercury hit about 55.

Come on March!

Kiddos' Valentines

2012-02-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

Haven't gotten around to buying Valentines for all your kiddos' friends? I am about to make your day. You are welcome. Actually I cannot take credit at all. Check out this gal's post and all her free printable links. I went with the ones pictured below from here. All that's left is to cut them out and let H sign her name. Easy!

Favorite Things {January}

2012-01-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

Here are a few completely unrelated things that are doing it for me right now. Just wanted to share the love.

1. This daily planner print-out. Find a complete explanation for how to use it here. For some reason it works for me. Keeps my day moving in a productive direction.

2. My Fitness Partner, specifically the iPhone app. Basically like free Wight Watchers. Really impressed with the food catalogue. Wow!

3. Soma bras. I haven't been breast feeding for 9 months now. Let's just say things have changed and appropriate adjustments needed to be made. Done.

4. The Bachelor. I love it. I just do.

5. The library. Did y'all know that you can pick out books on all sorts of things. For free. Like books that are currently for sale at Barnes and Noble. Kidding aside, I got a pile of large books last week and have been devouring them. And it was a good assortment...history, travel, current events, fiction. I can probably two-time these, read two different genres at a time. Book reports to come.

6. Neutrogena hand cream. The only thing that even pretends to work for dry skin.

7. Easy suppers. Here are a couple from last week. These are really self-explanatory, so I'll make it brief.

BBQ Chicken Pizza
Store bought crust of your choice (I used Pillsbury)
BBQ sauce of your choice...use just like you would pizza sauce.
Cooked chicken (I just boiled some chicken shredded it and tossed it on)
Monterrey Jack cheese (M and I agreed that feta would be a good addition next time)
Thin sliced red onion
Cilantro (add after you cook your pizza)

Just cook according to your crust's directions. Mix it up and add pineapple and ham instead of chicken.

Chicken Veggie Skewers
Again, the picture pretty much sums it up. I marinated in Dale's over night.

Share the love and tell me what you are loving now!

Brown Eyes

2012-01-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

This girl is fearfully and wonderfully made. Definitely her own little person. My eyes, green. Her daddy's, hazel. Sister's, blue. Here we are 19 months into her little life, and I am still tickled over these baby browns. She doesn't like me to take her picture. Pretty militant about it, actually. As in yells, "STOP" at me. But, I caught her. One day she will thank me. I think.

*shot with 50mm 1.8 borrowed from my mom. ready for my poor 50mm 1.4 to come home from the shop.

Inventory of a Day

2012-01-20T14:07:00.000-08:00

I seem to have a lot of days where I am exhausted at the end of the day, but have nothing to show for it. This is insanely frustrating. Like, you can look around my house and it is worse off than it started that morning. Clothes and dishes piled higher, more clutter, more dirt. So yesterday, I took inventory of my time and wrote down what I actually did. Just seeing that, yes, in fact, I did accomplish something, helps. Both girls were with me all day, so all the normal things that go along with meeting the needs of a 1 and 3 year old can be assumed (potty, diapers, spills, meltdowns, etc). Oh, and no one took a nap.

So here it is.
-Made grocery list, meal planned for remainder of week (normally would do this on Monday but Monday was a holiday and the stomach bug visited our house), cut coupons
-Went to grocery store
-Came home unloaded groceries and put them away
-Took girls down the street to the park for about 45 minutes since they had been cooped up inside for several days
-Prepared and fed girls lunch
-My mom came by and watched the girls while I worked/edited (until about 4:30). Way behind!
-Prepared dinner for girls and fed them
-Made a pie
-Fixed "actual" dinner
-Ate with the husband
-Bathed, pj'd girls
-Brushed girls' teeth
-Put girls to bed
-Took a bath

**Somewhere in there I fed the cat twice, got the mail, unloaded/loaded dishwasher, and swept under the kitchen table.

Someone Else's Resolutions

2012-01-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't quite come up with a list worthy of posting just quite yet, but I do have a few ideas floating around. In the meantime I really like this gal's take on the joy and hope of making resolutions. Don't know her, but her blog is lovely, and she seems lovely too. Check it out, and maybe I will get my list up before February. Or not. There's not a time limit on resolving, right?

lifeingraceblog.com

Christmas Recap

2011-12-30T16:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, or feliz Navi-davi as H told everyone she encountered! Here's a little run down of preparing for and celebrating Christmas. There was a lot of hustle and bustle, how do you avoid this completely? I tried to be intentional about introducing the girls to the true Light of Christmas. I think some of it made an impression, maybe. What a relief that my job is to point to Christ and His responsibility is to change hearts. Sometimes I exhaust myself trying to be ~~God~~ a heart-changer. But I digress. And I'm back to grace. So here goes...

"It's not going in our yard, Russ. It's going in our living room."

Building our awesome gingerbread houses. It's ok, Whit. There's always next year. And this would have been much more enjoyable with wine. Or margaritas. Just sayin.

Silly sisters in Santa shirts.

Giving her sweet teacher her Christmas gift. Little Sis in on the action. This is the face she gives me when she is put out.

Enjoying our pint-sized Nativity.

The big morning.

My parents' house. Couldn't pass up documenting the skinniest Christmas tree in history.

Bring on the New Year!

Settled In...

2011-12-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

...for a long winter's nap. Well, at least somebody gets to take one! We've been enjoying the season around here. If I can find a minute, I'll upload all my pictures and do a pretty little recap for all the grandparents. There is a very excited three year old in our midst and little sister too!

Random and a Recipe

2011-11-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

I think it's safe to say that what's left of fall is dwindling away. Hat wearing, fire warming, snowflake watching days have arrived at our house, and I am truly doing my best to embrace this season. Winter always finds itself at the bottom of my "favorites" list. Along with getting a cavity filled and cleaning out the litter box. But, I must say, so far so good. The husband surprised me with peppermint mocha Coffeemate a few days ago, and he has already Clark Griswalded the trees in our front yard. The girls are excited about Christmas. We've already watched The Grinch. Maybe a little Christmas cheer has found it's way here after all.

What we've been doing...hibernating. People always post pictures of their kids falling asleep in their plate at the table, or passed out on the rug in the playroom. I have trouble getting my kids to sleep ever, much less just randomly falling asleep. So I had to document this once in a lifetime occurrence! And this was because she was awake for a good two hours in the middle of the night the night before.

We love our Tigers around here. Or really just any chance to put on a cheerleading outfit and be silly!

We've been trying to eat at home more lately in an effort to be more thrifty. Which means I have to come up with things to fix for dinner. I usually don't have trouble coming up with a main dish. It's the sides. As in, "what the heck goes with...fill in the blank." I'm trying to get away from the frozen dinner rolls and a bag of lettuce combo. The other night I made crockpot bbq and paired it with broccoli salad. It was all so so easy. Here's the broccoli salad recipe. Even my non-veggie eating husband like this. I halved it, and it was plenty for the two of us.

Three ingredient dressing (that you already have on hand). By the way, why is Duke's so dang good?

Broccoli Salad

2 head broccoli (flowerets only), washed and separated
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Mix all of the above salad ingredients.

Dressing

1 1/2 cups mayo
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Mix dressing ingredients and chill at least 3 hours (yeah right). Pour over salad ingredients just before serving.

Enjoy!

Eye Candy {Burlap}

2011-11-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking burlap needs to be on my Christmas tree this year. I think my mom uses it as a garland on hers. Must steal this idea. Stockings would be cute too, but that may be a little too ambitious for this year. I also recently saw some cute burlap curtain panels with a ruffled side (not bottom) that would incorporate well in my house somewhere...anyone have a reasonable seamstress? My mother is bogged down sewing children's clothing or I would put it on her to-do list : ) Here are a few other great ideas...

via

This would be easy, right? via

Just sayin'

via

Fall Latelies

2011-11-19T20:05:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit of a whirlwind around these parts. Lots of goings-ons. Taking the fall one day at a time, and really trying to enjoy all its delicacies. I do not like winter. I can handle up through Christmas day...the rest is pure torture. The last few falls have even been pretty blah. Either been in the Zofran-popping, death-throes of pregnancy or the foggy-headed zombie-land of new baby-having.
Aside: Of all the sizes that I've been the past 4 falls, none of my pants fit me. How is that even possible? I'm somewhere in the middle of my weight range.
Anyway, all that rambling to say, I have purposed to enjoy fall, and fallish things this year. We've collected acorns and leaves. Made banana bread. Burned my new orange peel candle. Gone on hay rides. Drank pumpkin spice latte. Made santa fe soup. And potato soup. Crunched leaves. Worn wellies in the rain.

Watched the sun set over the Gulf.

Bundled up and enjoyed a little fall beach time.

Played golf with Daddy. Check out her stance.

Made the most of these last few warm days with "backyard fun".

*This brick was "pirate treasure" that they buried and dug up and fought over.

Rode on the Gator. Or mostly just climbed all over it.

Celebrated Indians. And Pilgrims. And feasting.

Ever seen a grumpy Indian? A little frightening, no?

Here's one to redeem her.

And one more of little sister.

Here's to the coming week of Thanksgiving and grace to make thanks-giving the way of a lifetime.

Costumed {Halloween 2011}

2011-11-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

{FRESH} Christmas Card Designs

2011-10-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

I'm offering customizable Christmas cards over at Fresh Grace Photography starting today! If you are interested, let me know asap so I can get them back from the printer and to you in plenty of time! This is great for all the out- of-town folks too...just email your photo of choice, and I will do the rest. Details over here. Yep, not even Halloween and time to get a jump on Christmas...oh the madness : )

Patch of Pumpkins

2011-10-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

A friend and I made a last-minute dash to the pumpkin patch with the kiddos yesterday.

I've wanted to go the last couple of years, but just never got my act together in time. I'm pretty sure most of our other friends had already made the trip this year...the patch was a little picked over, but we managed to find a couple of good ones in spite.

My littlest really loved all the animals...especially the calf (which she insisted was a "puppy").

My proudest moment was making it off the hayride in one piece holding my 20 lb "baby", a pumpkin, and my big girl's hand. Let the carving begin : )

A Few Fall Photos of the Winter Family

2011-10-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so as a photographer I am rarely in pictures with my family. And everyone pretty much seems to be ok with that. I have come to the realization that if I don't plan it and make it happen, it's just not going to. A sweet friend of mine and I have plans in the works to take some pictures of each others' families, but in the meantime I forced my lovely sister to snap a few last weekend. Just ignore the uncoordinated outfits. This was pretty spur of the moment. I posted a couple of these on the 'ol photog blog as well, so I apologize for the duplicates if you've already seen them!

Sweet Auburn Studio Goodies

2011-10-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

A little plug for my sister's shop...

If you haven't checked it out lately, you really should. She is always adding new, fun pieces. And the good news is, she is way underpriced! Her big cuff bracelets generally sell pretty quickly and are one of a kind. So, if you see something you like I advise you jump on it. Anyone else pretty much buy their own Christmas gifts and just get reimbursed (like gifts from grandparents). I mean we go so far as to pick something out, purchase it, give it to the grands, get reimbursed, they wrap it, we open it Christmas morning. Actually works out quite well for me, so no complaints here! Maybe that's just my strange family. Anyway...here are a few new things she posted out there today. {The first one is my favorite!}

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetAuburnStudio

Eat Your Heart Out, J.Crew

2011-09-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

So my sister and I were venting about J.Crew's ever-soaring prices, and just who the heck do they think they are anyway? And if the prices in the plain ol' J.Crew catalogue aren't shocking enough, now they have added Madewell to the ridiculousness. Of course, I wouldn't be so bitter if I didn't actually like their clothes. One of the items Sister and I mutually like (there are so many) is the Timex vintage field army watch for, brace yourself, $150.00. That's for a Timex, people...you know takes a licking and all that jazz. Anyway, good looking watch, though. So guess what Sister found at Target! You guessed it! For a whopping $34.99. And they have different color bands available as well (just like you-know-who).

J.Crew $150.00

J.Crew $98.00

Couldn't find it online at Target, but Walmart's got it for $32.00

Fresh Grace Photography {Update}

2011-09-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

After a couple of years of feeling my way through this photography thing (read: teaching myself how to use my camera, reading countless online tutorials and guides, teaching myself about 3% of Photoshop, taking a million pictures to see what works, and staying up into the night editing) I am making this little business official! It has been a lot of fun, but a countless hours of research have gone into learning the business aspect of things. I'm a wee bit analytical. As in, things almost never happen because I can't stop researching and deliberating. So after months of research, branding, building a website and blog, putting together packaging, getting an online professional printer setup, blah, blah, blah...I am thrilled to introduce:

freshgracephotography.com

and the blog:

freshgracephotography.com/blog

Hop on over to the blog and leave me a comment to win a gorgeous Organic Bloom frame to celebrate!!

Babies in a Washtub

2011-09-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

I had been meaning to take these pictures for a while. Like when it was 97 degrees outside. Last week I sorta panicked. My denial about summer's end is coming to a forced close. I filled the little tub with water and bubbles and stuck a hand in to confirm what I already knew. It was SO cold. The girls were already suited up and begging to get in. I was profusely apologizing and telling them we would just take a quick picture and get out and towel off before the neighbors saw their blue lips and made phone calls. I gingerly put each one in, bracing myself for the "I'm freezing" shrieks. {See pictures below for their reaction}. There were shrieks, but of pure, giddy joy. Several dozen pictures and lots of "I'm not cold" squeals later, I made them get out. Do children just not have functioning nerve endings?

Hmmm, black & white or color? Here's both.

Summer Ending

2011-09-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

The summer is winding down and we have been trying to catch it, hold it down, make it last.

I am sentimental. As in, I will never have another summer with my babies as 1 and 3 year olds. This is the only one and then it is gone forever.

I don't think this sentimentality comes from a good place. I think it comes from fear. Fear that I am squandering away my days with them. Fear that next year, or tomorrow, for that matter, will not be as good and as sweet as now. That life and joy will diminish as babies grow and I add another candle. That His goodness will run out. That all the bittersweet and all the black dark years the locust ate will not be repaid. Pressed down. Shaken together. Overflowing.

But, geez, aren't I promised that God is ever-present and in His presence is fullness of joy? That He is I AM. That He will be I AM in my future present moments?

Maybe my problem isn't fear, but just plain disbelief. Or maybe fear is just the spoiled child of disbelief and time just a canvas, a space for all the disbelief and fear to be worked out of me like a huge festering splinter. Remove the splinter and make room for grace? Or maybe Grace removes the splinter.

From Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts (a must read)...
All fear is but the notion that God's love ends. Did you think I end, that My bread warehouses are limited, that I will not be enough? But I am infinite, child. What can end in Me? Can life end in Me? Can happiness? Or peace? Or anything you need? Doesn't your Father always give you what you need? I am the Bread of Life and My bread for you will never end. Fear thinks God is finite and fear believes that there is not going to be enough and hasn't counting one thousand gifts, endlessly counting gifts, exposed the lie at the heart of all fear? In Me, blessings never end because My love for you never ends. If My goodnesses toward you end, I will cease to exist, child. As long as there is a God in heaven, there is grace on earth and I am the spilling God of the uncontainable, forever-overflowing-love-grace.

Happy Birthday!

2011-08-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Our sweet big girl turned three last month. She was SO excited about her big day and the fact that turning three means you are big. We had a little ice cream party on her actual birthday with a few sweet friends and family. She couldn't contain her excitement. She just glowed from all the attention and fun that her special day brought. I thought an ice cream party would be pretty simple, and that maybe I could get away with no cake. Of course all she talked about was how great it was going to be to eat her pink cake with all her friends. So, pink cake she had. Annie and Uncle Brent gave her a dress up box full of princess paraphernalia. It was quite a hit! It has been over a month, and she is still dressing up every day and declaring herself a princess. Quite a magical age. We are eating her up!

Awaiting her guests.

Showing us three fingers.

Basking in her moment.

Hovering over the poor bubble maker

Little Sis in on the action.

Pretty princesses.

Beginnings

2011-08-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

Cheap Laundry

2011-08-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

So I've been wanting to try this for quite some time now. I saw a pretty picture of detergent on Pintrest and it inspired me to go ahead and give it a whirl. It was so easy to make, and I am very pleased with the results. It smells lemony and fresh. It gets our clothes clean. It is saving us money. Winner!

Here's how to do it...

Grate an entire bar of Fels-Naptha soap
Mix with 1 cup Borax and 1 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
Put in pretty jar or container : )

**add one to two tablespoons per load

My friend posted her recipe a while back. It's slightly different...check it out here!

The Big Show

2011-08-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

So we took our brand new three year old to her first "real" movie last weekend. This was one of those "can't wait to experience this through her eyes" events that we talked about before having kids. Well, it did not disappoint. She was star struck. She loved every minute of it. She helped order her popcorn (which is not what she calls it, but I'm not sure how to even write her version). She sat in her own chair and was engaged from previews to credits. She even used the potty (a dreaded first for me as I am a quasi germ-a-phobe.) The movie (Winnie the Pooh) was really cute. The best part was the old-school animation...all hand-drawn {gasp}! The pictures say it all...

Happy Tuesday {from the bottom of my heart}

2011-07-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

My Morning Fix

2011-07-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

My beloved Diet Coke has been, at least temporarily, replaced. I love a good iced coffee or frappe, but they are so dang expensive. I have tried to make them at home before, but never really been happy with the results. About a month ago I gave PW's recipe a whirl and was thrilled! It was so easy. Her recipe says to filter with cheese clothe, but I just use a coffee filter. Works great. Add a splenda and some half and half. Brilliant! I've shaken things up a bit this week with my sister's recommendation of iced chai tea. Delicious!! Give them a try. Oh, and it's a proven fact...beverages taste better in a mason jar!

Fourth of July Beach Style

2011-07-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

So my sister has moved to our vacation spot at the beach to take a new interior design job. We crashed her place last week. Pretty much had no expectations, but ended up having a wonderful time. I think I told the husband about five times that taking the girls on a trip is not a vacation for me. It is just a change of scenery. If anything, being in a new and different place with a 1 and 3 yr. old just makes my job harder, being out of routine, etc. The other option is to just sit at home. I think having this mind set really helped me enjoy the time away. Instead of being disappointed at the lack of relaxation and reading time on the beach, I really just opened my hand to whatever the day and moment brought. Even if that meant sitting in my sister's apartment while baby took a 3 hour nap (sister at work, husband and big girl at the pool) and just enjoying some peace and quiet. Some highlights of the week...

Watching baby eat sand encrusted Cheez-its.
Chicken Marsala at Angelina's
Being seated in the "bar" section at Red Bar. "You have a baby. In a bar."
Chicken Panne and Manicotti at Red Bar split with Leigh Ann...so dang good!
Dribble castles with the girls
Fireworks on the beach
Thomas' doughnuts (sour cream doughnuts. yes, please)
Sitting outside at Wild Olives enjoying a glass of wine and a burger. Then, ice cream and theatre on the green.

(what does it mean that almost all of my favorite memories are food-related?)

And some pictures of the kiddos...

I am ready to go back! Thank you sister (and poor kitty, Nemi) for letting us invade your home for the week.

She's Three

2011-07-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable.

Baby B's First Birthday {in pictures}

2011-07-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Thank You Pioneer Woman

2011-06-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Check out whose picture is featured on the infamous Pioneer Woman's photography assignment page today! Slightly shocked and thrilled to see it there out of almost 200,000 entries. Makes for a fun little Father's Day surprise. Thanks Ree!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/

Sweet Auburn Studio Goodies

2011-06-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am working on a birthday post from a certain little girl's 1st birthday, but in the meantime, check this out. My oh-so-talented little sister has added some cute things to her etsy shop. I think she is way under priced on these earrings considering they come three to a set. Perfect for summer and beach. Speaking of beach, see her mug shot here, where she is now earning her keep at Urban Grace Interiors.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetAuburnStudio

A Few Thoughts on Mothering a New Baby

2011-06-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

1. Taking care of a completely helpless human with very little personality is overwhelming and exhausting (especially in the very early months).
2. There is no way to anticipate, prepare for, or understand the sacrifice you willingly and unreservedly make for this little person. It must be experienced to be understood.
3.The above was especially shocking with the first baby. The reality of not finding 30 seconds to brush my teeth combined with the guilt of not doing all those exercises (you know, the ones you MUST do if you ever want to see your abs again) the hospital sends home is quite perplexing to the chronically sleep deprived.
4.Nursing is quite an unnatural, painful undertaking. I don't care what the LLL says. They haven't met MY baby. And neither has the author of Babywise or Happiest Baby for that matter.
5.Crying through severely painful feedings every 2.5 hours (me) around the clock in an effort to get baby on a schedule so maybe they will sleep 4 hours in a row sometime in the next three months and simultaneously trying to avoid engorgement and mastitis (fail) is enough to send any normally sane person over the edge.
6.Failing to take more pictures the second time around, knowing how quickly it really does go by should not be dwelled on. Investing what little time you have in your other children (and yourself!) is infinitely more important. Oh, and pictures/video with your iPhone totally count!
7.Allow grace. There has never been a perfect mother. There has never been a mother without a regret.
8.Sleep does come and nursing does end (always right about the time I really start enjoying it).
9.A new "normal" seems to emerge around the 12 month mark. I am very sentimental and do not like change. Learning to embrace it and remembering that my Father holds eternal pleasures in His right hand. I don't have to cling so tightly to status quo. Good things end, good things are to come. Forever.
10.My babies are His. He is growing me through their raising. He loves me.

Airstream Love

2011-06-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

When I grow up I will buy myself one of these. And fix her up real nice.

via themorgan.com

And take her somewhere enchanting like this, perhaps.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming by Trey Ratcliff

Or maybe here.

I will write postcards, read books, drink wine, take pictures, and never ask the time. One day.

My Little Goat

2011-06-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

She will turn one on Tuesday. I think this is gonna be worse than me turning 30. Bracing myself.

Muse

2011-06-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

The World

2011-05-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Those who know us well know we have attained Disney freak status. We trekked to this place quite a few times pre-littles and man, it is the way to go! Living in a hotel room for a week (following an all night driving extravaganza) with a 2 yr. old and a 10 month old was a little trying. Let's just say naps were had in strollers (or not at all) which meant no down time for the big people. Sister and brother-in-law joined us for most of the week, so we were able to take advantage of rider-swap. Baby B had a grand ol' time! She danced and waived to everyone, arms and legs going all the time. Big Sister's hands-down "faybert" was the carousel (could have just stayed home and gone to the Galleria!??) Close runner-ups were Peter Pan and the Peoplemover. She also braved Pirates (twice). We were so proud. She loved the fireworks...as in cheering and clapping on her daddy's shoulders while everyone turned and stared. The show she put on definitely rivaled the light show. Here are a few highlights...

Her "faybert"

Meeting the Mouse.

Flower and Garden Festival

Pooped out. So happy with my stroller choice if anyone's in the market!

LOVED the fireworks (don't let her fool you)

Holding on. Winnie the Pooh

"Faybert" Princess

Baby B meets Pooh

Our crew. Letting the rain blow by.

Ponchoed Baby B (kind cast member magically appeared with two ponchos for our babies)

H was starstruck meeting Buzz and "Cody" (she will not call him Woody!)

Rare family picture in EPCOT

Want to see more? I'm talking to you grandparents. Posted a bunch on our Flickr page under Disney 2011. Click the slideshow option for your viewing pleasure. I hope to get all 500 posted out there soon.

Lately

2011-05-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

We are back from an exhausting vacation. And it is good to be home. Glory in the mundane.

I am starting to see it.

Excursions and mountaintops are nice, but He is revealing His heart to me here.

In the grind.

In the too much to do and not enough time.

Right in the mess of home.

In my weaknesses and sufferings.

Just starting to blow flame to my stone heart. Tuning it to sing His grace.

*Just finished this book. Recommended reading. My soul is still digesting it.

" 'Wherever you are, be all there.' I have lived the runner, panting ahead in worry, pounding back in regrets, terrified to live in the present, because here--time asks me to do the hardest of all: just open wide and receive...

This is where God is.
In the present. I AM--His very name...

This is supreme gift, time, God Himself framed in moment."
Ann Voskamp, OneThousand Gifts

Little Girl Party Inspiration

2011-05-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Spring is flying. That means summer will arrive soon, and with it the celebration of summer's babies. My two. Born on sticky sweet summer days, just shy of 23 months between. Oh how I love them. Can't wait to celebrate them. In the meantime, dreaming...

via katelandersevents.blogspot.com

via walkwithmedarling.blogspot.com

via countryfarmgirlsarah.blogspot.com

via asubtlerevelry.com

via party.tipjunkie.com

viamarthastewartweddings.com

Easter

2011-04-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Precious

2011-04-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

This was little sister's 1st time to swing at the park. She liked it. She pretty much likes anything big sister is doing. She is such a sweet baby (feet baby, as big sis calls her) and brings me so much joy. There was a time when I wasn't sure children of our own were in our future. A time of praying and praying for a miracle. In 23 months time we were blessed with two. Sometimes it blows my mind. It is humbling and terrifying to be entrusted with something so precious. I know they are not mine, really though. They are His. His to redeem and love and delight in. As much as they may or may not physically resemble me, they bear their Father's image. And that makes them precious.

A couple of big sister just cause...

Evolution of a Summer Garden

2011-04-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have big dreams for this little rectangle in our backyard. What is it about home grown veggies that makes them just plain taste better? Something inside me wants to cultivate, grow, get my hands dirty. Something is satisfied by planting and waiting and bringing to fruition. It's not exactly Eden, but it points my heart that way. One day. Until then we will see what survives my green thumb.

Sweet Auburn Studio

2011-04-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

My fashion forward and entrepreneurial little sister has a fun new shop on Etsy, Sweet Auburn Studio. We share a passion for all things vintage, but she actually has the time and creativity (ie no children) to scour the flea markets and antique malls and find treasures. Check her out on Etsy! She will be adding some new items soon.

See...fashion forward from a young age.

Ok, so she won't kill me...

Augusta National

2011-04-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

We made a pilgrimage to Augusta this past week to watch a little golf, walk on the prettiest grass around, and eat little sandwiches. It was a short getaway, but fun nonetheless. Sister and brother-in-law made the trek with us. We started the fun with dinner at Twist in the ATL. Then off to spend the night at the super swank Holiday Inn Express. I'm not even kidding when I say it was nice. Real nice Clark. Getting up at 4:30 (our time) to be in Augusta at rope drop was almost compensated for by the free hotel breakfast. We are talking biscuits and gravy, bakery style cinnamon rolls, big muffins, and a plethora of other goodies. Who knew? It's the small things, right?

We had a great time. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves (starting with the most important thing)...

My {Other} Baby at 32 Months Old

2011-04-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

My Baby at 9 Months Old

2011-03-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

Potty Training For Dummies

2011-03-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

And in case there was any confusion, I am the dummy. My 2 1/2 year old is quite adamant that she is quite happy with her diapers. It goes something like this:

I see signs of some possible action.
Me: (all enthusiastic) Do you need to use the bathroom??? Let's hurry to the potty. If you go in the potty you can pick a treat. M&M, toy, cupcake, Disney World, the moon.
H: (not at all affected by my enthusiasm) No thanks. I don't want to.
Me: Um, please?????

Too late.

Seriously, could I have waited too late to potty train? She doesn't care about any of my tricks or treats. She has thought it through, tried the potty out, and decided she just likes her diapers better. Clearly, this is not an option.

We have tried the whole eating lots of salty things, giving lots to drink, going to "try" at regular intervals, pull-ups, training panties, etc. And we've had success followed by lots of praise and prizes. She is just completely nonplussed by all of it, does not want to do it. Should I try the whole take the diapers away and just let her tee tee on the floor thing? Then I am cleaning up while shooing a 9 month old away and trying to make this all a "positive experience" while trying not to lose my bloomin' mind.

I need ideas. Anyone else out there have a ~~strong-willed~~ spirited little one? What are some manipulative mind games that work? Those of you whose little ones were super easy and potty trained themselves need not reply : )

Jet Set

2011-03-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Mr. and I blew the dust off our passports and left the country for a few days to celebrate the big 3-0. It was a bit more adventurous than we had anticipated (save that for a rainy day). We managed to work in a little relaxing. A little sunset watching. A little fruity drink drinking. A little reading. A little bikini wearing after two babies in less than two years (can I get an AMEN??). A little reconnecting sans babies. Nice...

Grillin'

2011-03-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

Our backyard is a dangerous place to be when the weather turns warm. All our neighbors are grillers. These first warm days of spring have lured them outside, meat and marinade in hand. As the sun starts melting into the horizon, aromas start wafting. And not to be outdone by those pesky, show-off neighbors, we got in on the action. The Mr. ran down to our neighborhood butcher shop and brought home a fresh cut filet. Here's what happened next. Mr. grilled the meat and heated a french loaf drizzled in EVOO, and sprinkled with fresh basil and goat cheese. He thin sliced the filet and layered it on the french bread. It was REALLY good. And easy. And summery. Enjoy!

2011-03-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

Spring is magical. It speaks to me more than Christmas and even Easter. It tells the story so loudly, it proclaims the promise so bluntly. What was dead is alive. What is dead will be made alive. Beauty breaks through year after year and promises summer. Promises Eden. What is wrong will be put back right. The sin that has ravished and choked our earth and our relationships will be unraveled.

Weeping may last for a night but a shout of joy comes in the morning. Ps 30:5

The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing...to find the place where all the beauty came from." CS Lewis

We are soaking it up, sucking the marrow. Looking for the daily bread in the midst of pain. In the face of "we were made for more". Confident "...the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be."

O Joy that seekest me thru pain,
I can not close my heart to Thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be,
That morn shall tearless be.
-George Matheson

Self-Portrait

2011-03-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

One year ago. Dang.

Bucket Baby

2011-03-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

In case you live under a rock...

2011-02-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

This is worth a read. I first read it when I was very pregnant with B. Raw and beautiful.

Totally judge a wine...

2011-02-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

...by its label. Anyone feeling me on this? Please, if you are a connoisseur, stop reading immediately. The following will be excruciatingly beneath you. Ok, now for the rest of you...cleverly branded wine tastes better. There, I said it. Yes, I graduated at the top of my class with a marketing degree. Yes, I know all about branding and packaging and, well, marketing. And, yes, it is completely lost on me in this situation. Companies brand identical product from the same manufacturer differently and sell said product at different price points depending on the target market...blah, blah, blah. Here is how I justify my superficial decision-making behavior. I drink cheap wine...like under $9.00 a bottle. I am not sure how there is even a profit margin on the wine I drink. How do you pay for grapes, vineyard, migrant labor, bottling, advertising, branding, logistics, and sell the end product for $9.00 (oh yeah, and give Target a cut of the profit). That's right, same company is selling really expensive wine too to cover the cheap wine I buy. Thank you very much. Here's to cheap wine with the pretty label! Cin cin!

UPDATE: Tried the wine. Like it. It is drier than most pinots. Just a word of warning.

Little Love

2011-02-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

This little girl gets to be an only child one day a week when big sister is at school. I know H had only-child privileges for the first two years of her life. B will have the same opportunity one day when H moves away. Although, I'm not so sure it will be awesome being the "only child" with ol Mom and Dad when she's a 16 year old. I'll have to ask my sister about that. Last week B and I played in the floor and documented her big 8 month self while big sister was away. I so love this girl!

Thank you and Farewell

2011-02-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

We ventured to the ol' alma mater over the weekend to let the girls say hello and goodbye to the beloved Toomers oaks. They are just trees to the rest of the world, but to those of us that love Auburn and have lived on those plains and have countless memories under those branches, they are more...they are memories of the good times, the best times. The sadness isn't really for the trees themselves...but the dying of memories yet to be made. All trees eventually die...and these trees are very old, indeed, and have not been in the best health in recent years. So, along with thousands of others, we remembered and we said farewell. To sharing a lemonade in their shade as a child. To midnight rollings as a teenager...dodging flying industrial rolls of TP snagged from Haley Center. To walking under their branches hand in hand with a new fiance dreaming of our future. And, most sadly, farewell to the hope of our babies experiencing these same joys.

So thank you trees...faithful old friends, and farewell.

She was extremely sad about the trees : )

Same, but Different

2011-02-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Lens Love

2011-02-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

What kind of camera do you use? What is your favorite lens? How do I get the sharp pictures of my kids with a blurry background? I hear these questions all the time people! I get a kick out of helping others pursue their photography passion, so feel free to continue to ask away!

Here is an oversimplified, Cliff Notes version of the answers...

Step one: Buy a digital SLR camera body like this one. You do not need the kit lens!

Step two: Buy a lens that will allow you to shoot with a large aperture (key to the dreamy blur). The Canon 50mm 1.4 is my favorite. It pretty much lives on my camera at all times.

Step three: Set your f-stop to a low number (under 2.0) which will give you a large aperture (practice shooting in Manual mode, scary but crucial).

Step four: Focus on your subject and shoot!

Step five: Practice. Practice. PRACTICE! This is a digital camera. We are no longer wasting film. I take between 200 and 400 pictures at each shoot and generally end up with about 30-40 that I am really happy with.

This was all very confusing to me in the beginning (and still is to some degree). If this all makes perfect sense to you, don't tell me! It is very much a hands-on, trial and error kind of endeavor. I think the resulting keepsakes are worth the effort!

Spots and Stripes

2011-02-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

i {heart} this

2011-01-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

*can be found here
**update: it's gone. this seller has some other cute stuff though.

Same, but Different

2010-12-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

Pictures

2010-12-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

With all the photo editing I've been doing lately (not complaining), I've had a hard time keeping posts up to date. Here are a few sweet pictures from a couple of months ago...when it was warm.

Winter Babies

2010-12-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Little Girls and Fall...and Tiger

2010-11-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Lots of pictures...no apologies.

Rainy Day

2010-10-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Friday Cuties 2

2010-09-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

Friday Cuties

2010-08-27T15:04:00.001-07:00

Colorful

2010-08-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Escape to Tropical Paradise...

2010-08-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, it was Panama City, but a girl can dream! We toted all our gear out to the sand each morning and camped out under our tent ~~til I had to go nurse 6 wk old baby~~ as long as we could stand the heat. I hoped H would embrace the beach this year like she did last summer, and she did not disappoint. She mostly looked like a sugar cinnamon doughnut all covered in sand, red cheeked, and curly-sweaty-headed. She was a champion bird chaser and had perfected her digging skills with her yellow "shobel" by week's end. The first week of her life I held her on the deck at our home and told her all the places I would one day take her...what a marvel to watch her fall in love with one of those places. A place that she calls her "beach-ocean". A place from my curly-sweaty-headed childhood.

A Not-So-Terrible-Twos Party

2010-07-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

We had a simple little birthday party with grands, great-grands, an aunt, and an uncle-to-be to celebrate our sweet girl's second birthday. I have plenty of bittersweet musings that I could write here about how the time is flying, how my baby is no longer a baby. But, I will save that for another day. The guest of honor's one request for this special day was "pink birthday cake". She talked about her pink cake (and pink hats and pink balloons for two weeks leading up to the party), and if you ask her how old she is she will give you an emphatic "pink birthday cake!!" She was beside herself with excitement which is all I had hoped for and all I needed to consider the day a success.

The pictures speak for themselves...

PS: Thank you Mamie for the cupcake outfit, a sweet blessing.

PSS: Some baby eye-candy...

Little Brown Dress

2010-07-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when little bit is sleeping, we steal away outside and run barefoot in the grass. It's nice to escape the walls of our seemingly shrinking house and our new tiny shrieking family member. The dog days of summer are flying by. My big girl is two. I am tired. I wish I could bottle these days up and relive them one day when I have more energy. But that's not how life works. So, we are taking pictures and making memories in spite of the sleepless nights and long days. Life is good, tired or not.

June 7th, 2010

2010-06-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

Lately

2010-06-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

Boiling

Washing

Storing

Stocking

My Own Backyard

2010-05-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of living in an older home is the nice size yard that comes with it. It is definitely a trade off considering our A/C is leaking water into the basement floor as I type this. Not to mention we lose our daddy every Saturday to grass cutting. If our lot were being developed today I imagine there would be at least two more houses on it. I guess 60 years ago people valued yards a bit more and stayed a bit closer to home. Since we are expecting a new little person to join our family in the next three weeks we plan on sticking close to home and enjoying our green space this summer. We've already started practicing.

Sunbathing on the deck. Enhanced with Bob Marley on Pandora, lavender bubbles in the pool, and a fruity drink. A little dog slobber is good for the skin too (NO NO Marley!!!).

Gardening with my daddy. Tomatoes. Herbs. Dirt. What fun!

Breathing deeply. Finding joy is in the simple things and the quiet times. And seriously check out their expressions in that last one.

Sidewalk Chalk and Summer Hat

2010-05-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sidewalk chalk, a sunny day, a summer hat...life is beautiful in our backyard.

Marley stands guard...chaser of squirrels and loudest barker of the neighborhood, most ferocious of beasts.

Hats come off.

To reveal my happy girl.

Pregnant Lady Cocktail

2010-04-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Since my doctor told me I should be taking in 90 ounces of liquid a day (seriously??) I thought I would try to make the best of it with some fun summery drinks. So while others are sipping on their pinots and margaritas, I will be having this. And that's ok!

Spring Morning in the Gardens

2010-04-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Fresh Grace Photography

2010-04-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

After thought, prayer, and prodding from a few friends, family members, and especially my husband, I am launching Fresh Grace Photography! Starting out small and simple and just seeing where it goes. This is the perfect time of year for pictures while all is in bloom! Leave me a comment or shoot me an email (under Contact section of Fresh Grace Photography) if you are interested. First three to book Spring Sessions will receive 50% off the session fee. Let's get out there and have some fun!

Growing and Preparing

2010-03-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here's the proof...22 weeks in the first picture, 27 in the second. I'll be 29 weeks Tuesday...use your imagination.

Look who has been catching up on her reading. She picked this particular book off the shelf all by herself, which I thought was fitting.

All this in preparation for a new one of these. And we can't wait!

Hello. My name is Lauren.

2010-03-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

And I am a hoarder. At least that is what my sister deemed appropriate to announce to me a few days ago. Ouch. I guess the proverbial truth does hurt. But my house is little and we have no storage space worth mentioning, which only magnifies my problem. So all of our c**p just kinda sits in little piles everywhere. Or gets crammed into closets where things like clothes and shoes should go. There is no other option but to tackle this head on. This is nesting (I am 7 months preggers, mind you), on crack. With baby numero uno nesting meant folding tiny Dreft-infused clothing and gently, sweetly placing them into brand new drawers. This time around it means madly tossing items out of closets trying not to bury afore-mentioned baby in the process. I am Goodwilling, EBAYing, organizing until we are clutter-free. Wish me luck!

Tub Time

2010-03-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Bath time is magical at our house. First you get to squeal up and down the hall in your birthday suit while the water runs. Then you get to suck yucky bath water out of the washrag (until momma realizes). Then you get to ham it up with your reflection in the drain cover. And if you are lucky, you stay in until the water is cold and you are a little prune. No wonder this is our favorite time of the day, and the tears come when it's time to get out.

Banana Bread (with chocolate chips, of course)

2010-03-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

I was feeling a bit domestic yesterday and actually had all the ingredients on hand to make this yummy little number from the March issue of this magazine.

It was deliciously tasty and made my drafty little house smell oh so good!

Recipe:
2 1/3 cups Bisquick
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 large, ripe bananas, mashed
3 large eggs
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans (I left out)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

"Heat oven to 350. Generously butter a 9x5x3 in. loaf pan. Add all ingredients to pan and mix with a fork until fully combined. Place in oven and bake until wooden skewer inserted into center of loaf comes out clean, about 1 hour."

Spring Fashion Trends (Small Child Edition)

2010-02-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

So I have taken up sewing. I am (about to be) the mother of two little girls...in the South. It would be unethical not to make cute matchy things for them to wear. Really though, my mom sewed for my sister and me, and it was a sweet part of our childhood. I have deferred to her to sew for my children, which is a wonderful blessing. But, I would like them to have a few things made by my hands. My first little outfit is by no means perfect, but a good place to start. {Pattern TAYLOR}

I plan to make a little top (birds) and bloomers (pink) out of this sweet fabric next {FRANNIE BABY}. Stay tuned.

Went to a children's consignment right down the street from our house today and got a steal. My $25.00 well-spent:

Feltman Brothers day gown and Paty sleeper (pictured above) for little sister.

Sweet two-piece with tags still on (msr $20.00).

Little raincoat for big sister.

Cute springy maternity wear for mama.

And for your viewing pleasure, please notice the bow in the hair. It was in for a total of 43 seconds and may never be witnessed in public.

What She Really Thought of the Snow

2010-02-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

This is one little girl that likes terra firma. Or at least her Daddy's arms.

Don't press your luck for a kiss.

Cover up that blond hair and this baby is a miniature of her Daddy.

The Snowy Day

2010-02-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Favorite Things

2010-02-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know how it works at your house (those of you with small children), but in order for me to accomplish a task, i.e. drying my hair, going to the bathroom, clipping a hangnail, I pretty much let my child do whatever she finds entertaining, short of sticking things in the electrical outlet. Most days this mean pulling a plethora of items out of any number of bags, boxes, closets, etc. This is especially helpful when I am cleaning/organizing/straightening in one room and she is destroying in another. The other day her bag of choice was my makeup bag. I usually try to keep this one out of reach. It's the one bag that could really cause a huge mess, ruin clothing, break little mirrors into microscopic pieces all over the bathroom floor. She had it unpacked before I realized what was happening. Much to my shock, she was taking items out one at a time, studying them, and neatly placing them on the floor beside her. I figured I needed to change out bags anyway, so she was actually helping me (see how I rationalized to avoid flusterization!). Anyway, without further ado...a few of my favorite items at the moment. We all need a break from Clinique, right?

This stuff is magic. Brings some much needed life to my face, especially on these dreary days.

Another Benefit pick. Great concealer, goes on smooth.

One of the hotels on our honeymoon had all these products (also love the Verbena line) before we had ever heard of them. The Shea Butter smells so clean and delicious!

Bobbi Brown shimmer brick in bronze. Great mulit-tasker.

I am not a big perfume wearer, I mean every once in a while, yes. But, generally more of a lotion with a hint of scent type of girl. I am a big fan of The Thymes Collections. The best is Fig Leaf and Cassis, but I think it's been discontinued. I also love Kimono Rose...very springy.

I'm always looking for new, fun things to try. What are your favorites?

Take it outside

2010-02-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

We were able to steal a little time outside Wednesday. Something good about going outside and breathing some fresh air every once in a while. This little girl cried when we headed in. We are ready for spring in this house! Check out the sweet little shirt H is wearing. My cool friend makes them. Check her out...http://www.etsy.com/shop/wtingle

Fresh Grace

2010-02-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

New blog. New pregnancy. New chapter in my little life. I started building this new blog a good while ago and just didn't have the energy or the will to actually launch it. Wordpress started to feel stale and old- lady like. I need a little something fresh. A little hope. A little grace. Ok, a lot of grace. Join me, will you?