Saturday we took a trip to downtown Monrovia.

For this big guys' bluegrass show:

(he did really well for a guy who is running on no sleep...

I'm figuring if you live a life as a painter, it equals: no sleep,

stress & a phone that never stops ringing. He's such a tough guy!)

We found a beautiful fountain,

And a very LARGE tree.

Which Ayden wanted to climb.

I couldn't deny him...

He sat.

No climbing allowed.

I really loved it here. Next time we are staying longer...

We had to rush back to Redlands...
Kyle had his 15 year reunion. Crazy.
But hilarious! 

And another...

craft that is!

This is a painted canvas, with a hand cut silhouette

& embroidery. 

It was for a friend's daughters birthday, she just turned 2. 

I so loved making it for her.

While I was stitching her name... all I kept thinking about were our long conversations (during a very long bus ride) 

about babies while in Romania together 2 years ago.

And how far things have come since then!

I really love the way it turned out.

I'm thinking I need to start a few for the boys room.

Craft-on.

Factory Girl

Life has been really stressful lately.
And when I stress out, I craft...
constantly. Like a factory :)
I guess it is my way of escaping & not thinking. 


So here is what I have been up too lately:

I painted a wood plaque & hung it on our house a la retro.

 I also started a new embroidery project...

Can you tell it's a trailer?

I hope so.

And I finally got around to painting this retro ash tray we bought at an estate sale.

And it's not for butts either,

it's going to be home to a cactus or a succulent.

Or both.

The options are endless :)

****

On a personal note:

I've been really sad lately. 

And feeing a bit swallowed by stress & fear & loneliness.

But I am resulting to stop trying to fix things myself.

Look beyond these moments,

see that they are all learning moments.

For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power & everything is for his glory.

And He is always with me.

****

The Chokey

Well, I knew it would happen, just not this fast.

Lucas is crawling,

pulling himself up on EVERYTHING,

has 3 bottom teeth,

and 2 top teeth,

and he is biting me while he eats 

(sorry, too much info).

I am thinking bottles are in the near future.

because it really does hurt.

******

Oh & this morning we had our first choking

incident.

So scary. 

Which made me realize that I need to brush up on the Heimlich maneuver. 

We both survived.

And he is doing fine.

******

Have a great Monday friends!

Chillin'

I think they've got the hang of it!
Don't they look like they belong on a beach in South Beach?


Speaking of summer,
look at my first summer camp project!

Poolside

Today we hung out pool side.
I even got in for a quick "dip."
But had to get out, it got a lil' cramped.




It was fun.
But I do dream of having a "real pool"
someday...
oh and a fridge full of cupcakes.
:)
a girl can dream,
can't she.

He survived 2nd grade.

The teacher commented on his report card:

"he is quite the performer and loves a good challenge."

I think she knows him pretty well.

He's happy school is out.

and so am I.

Wow

While stripping down Brandon's bed this morning for the weekly sheet wash,


I found all of this hidden under his duvet???

Stacks of books.

Swords.

Light sabers.

Golf clubs.

Stuffed animals.

His wallet.

A Nintendo.

And his bean bag.

How does he sleep like this?

Maybe that's why he sleepwalks? 

Maybe he is a closet hoarder...

Tuesday letters

Dear Lucas,
Today you stood up in your crib. Can you say monumental? I can.


Dear Nerd Glasses,
I wish I had an excuse to wear you all the time.
I feel like Einstein, instant smarts.


Dear Me,
Hang in there. Don't let the stresses of life bring you under.
Just take a deep breath. 


Dear backyard,
I wish you had a pool. A bbq island. and a hammock.
just saying.


Dear Body,
I wish you had a tan.
And a few less pounds.
work it out.


Happy Tuesday! 

Already?

My sweet boy is 7 months.

He's mastered the scoot,

the downward dog,

and tries his best to crawl.

He says, "Maa.."

and "Baa.."

He has the bluest eyes.

The sweetest chubby body.

The biggest smile.

And he is a supreme mama's boy.

He lights up our world.

Pillow Talk

Sunday...We went antiquing. 

Shocking I know. 

And I found THIS...

(For $9) 

It's a patchwork pillow, with cross-stitch & pom pom tassels! 

hello.

I can't ever pass up handmade cross stitch without feeling guilty, it's like thread art.

so this time this baby came home with me.

and the back gets better.

Vintage buttons, adorning the mustard yellow crushed velvet.

I felt lucky.

After antiquing,

we went and had ice cream at Baskin Robbins.

I hadn't been there in a VERY long time.

I had one scoop

and 

it.was.delicious.

I hope you all had a great weekend!!!

Cookoo

Today I am beyond tired.

Lucas is teething

and 

not sleeping.

Ayden has mastered the art of whining.

And Kyle has been so busy at work,

we've barely seen him all week.

But Brandon is great.

He kicked butt at his jog a thon today.

Ran over a mile!

And was awarded with a Big Stick (well worth it, if you ask me).

Photos to come.

I'm really looking forward to the weekend.

I bet you are too.

all our love.

Rain drops

Watching him play with the water, 

dripping like rain from the faucet,

was so magical.

And beautiful.

I couldn't stop smiling. 

And the whole time while watching him I was thinking,

I am so lucky.

ok...now I've gotta get back to tending to my needy lil' oranged leg boy.

Have a good Wednesday.

xo

Well....

...he picked orange.


Good news: No surgery.


and he's feeling much better.


Thank goodness.