our new favorite thing to do

What is it?  

Its our new favorite thing to do at lunch time when the weather is good.

I don't know who enjoys it the most, Zack or Odin.  It would be safe to guess that its Zack.  But as you can see, Odin is quickly falling in love with it too.  

I'm glad you can't see my face in these pictures, I was pretty excited that my boy was flying the kite.  This was a good moment as a mother/wife.  Its nice to do fun things as a family!

When was the last time you flew a kite?  

I bet its time you do it again.

shopping therapy

Its funny how shopping online but not buying can satisfy my wants.  

Here is what I am loving right now. 

All items are from my pinterest boards but, here are the direct links
to these colorful items: 1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8.

XAQUE

Happy Birthdate, Love!

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Just yesterday Zack surprised me.  

I had briefly mentioned that I wasn't sleeping well at night since we moved into our house... because I was scared.  That was it, one quick mention.  The reason why I'm scared: there is so much space compared to our 1BR apartment in New York AND its so very quiet where we live now.  I am still getting used to the absence of sound (other than the gazillion frogs outside) and my imagination gets the best of me (I've seen way too many scary movies) and it just isn't good.  

HOW HE SURPRISED ME: In no time at all, he brought home the biggest dowel from Home Depot to fit to our sliding glass door in back.  You know, that hefty stick/board that keeps anyone from opening the door whether locked or not.  I thought it was just something he had on his to-do list.  Later, though, he told me that he didn't want me to be scared anymore so he fixed the problem.  It was really sweet.  

But that is not all, he is always this sweet and thoughtful and on top of the task of loving me and making me happy.  I really do have such a good man, and he's all mine.  I feel so lucky!

* image - of course Odin helped Zack cut the dowel to size out in the garage.  Odin loved having his own stick just his size.  So cute!

Kristy

You can see and read more about Kristy's story here.

This is my friend Kristy.  I met her when I was on my mission in NYC and we have been friends ever since.  She could be one of my sisters.  She is so talented and real and thoughtful and good.  I wanted to share her message to the world with you.

patience this week

All I am thinking about lately is the complete product of our home.  I just want a place that is happy, comfortable, bright and colorful.  I'm looking forward to the flowers, the handmade touches, the inherited pieces, the photos and the color.  But it isn't "home" just yet.

I must be patient.

There is still so much to be done.  I push myself everyday (the last 2 days) to work morning til night.  My intentions are strong but my body is not.  Being pregnant and moving is hard.  I just can't help how tired and achy my body is getting.  And now that the week has started and it will just be me participating in "project unpack" I feel overwhelmed yet excited and very motivated.

I must be patient.

And so I will be.  Today I have given myself only two tasks.  If those don't get done, no problem, I'll do them tomorrow.  If they do then great!  The whole point this week is to have patience and be happy.  And now that I've written these thoughts, I think it will be much easier!

Patience is good.

we've moved in

What a great and crazy weekend it was.  I am so glad we had conference to brighten up the task of settling in.  While there is much yet to do and many a box yet to unpack, we are relieved and very happy to be in our house.

I can't wait to share with you the bits of progress as they come.  I'm sure you can expect many a 'new house' and decorating ideas post.  If you have any ideas of how to make a rental cute with out doing big changes, please share!

Happy Birthdate!

Dear Odin,

Is 23 months really here?!  Next month you will be two and for some reason that is a huge turning point in my mind.  I will miss your babyhood and your needing me so much.  But I am excited for you learn independence in some things since I know that is what every kid wants.  You are a very sweet and happy boy and I am so impressed by you daily.  I can't believe I get to be your mother.  You keep me on my toes and remind me to be my best always.  I've said it many times and I'll say it again that you are so precious and uniquely just plain good. 

I love you always,
Mama

its that time of year again

I love this conference of our church.  There is never a time when I don't come away being filled with hope and motivation to be better.  I am always happier because I took the time to listen.  The best part is that its THIS WEEKEND!

Go HERE for the viewing times and links to watch for free online.  I wish the whole world would watch it, how much impact it would have!

things I've missed

Its funny to admit but, I've missed my possessions while they've been in storage.  We've lived out of suitcases for a while now and its clear to me that I don't need much to get by in life.  Still, I can't wait to have these particular things back in my home:

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our king sized bed!

yoga mat

toys + books

all of our product (for my hair, body/skin, face)

shoes

fingernail polish

my dresses

vitamix

Odin's crib

extra underwear

mini book making supplies

our shower head

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We've been in limbo for 45 days now.   But, good news!  We're moving tomorrow!!!  I can't wait to unpack, decorate and get settled.  I have not been doing a healthy amount of nesting but that is going to change.  Get ready for many home decor and new life posts...

toast soldiers

Toast Soldiers are what Zack's mom calls cut up pieces of toast.  I thought it was the cutest way for him to get his grains in the morning so I enlisted some of my own "troops".  We have our soldiers uniformed in many different ways.  I'll share some more of them in the future.

These toast soldiers are made with butter, yum!

I anticipate many of these nicknames and tricks for getting my kids to eat their food in the coming years.  If you have some of your own, please do share!