Tuesday, December 21

blocks

Bets, this one's for YOU! Charlotte had so much fun with her blocks the other day, especially when I named each one of the letters as she pulled them out individually, since we are learning some of those lately. I am realizing what a really cool gift this was--so many games rolled into one! And every time I look at it I CAN'T BELIEVE you MADE it. How'd you get so darn smart & artistic all at the same time?
~special thanks to Auntie Betsy for her clever creativity & generosity...

Monday, December 20

hot mess

I just walked by these one day & enjoyed the tangled, colorful mess. I have a beautiful jewelry box from anthropology that is nearly empty, because all the necklaces, earrings, & rings never get put away properly. Oh, well, an organizational task for a rainy day. In the meantime I'm going to enjoy the hot mess. *smile*

Friday, December 17

old vine

I just love this old grape vine, which has an earthy yet sculptural appeal. ZGallerie.com

Thursday, December 16

making christmas cookies

The greatest challenge was keeping the frosting from going into Charlotte's mouth before it made its way onto the cookies! And I learned the recipe for making brown frosting--which totally psyched me out because it looks just like chocolate! We both had a blast.



the tree hunt

We had the exciting new family adventure this year of hiking up into Pickle Gulch to find our own Griswold Christmas tree! Funny I don't have a picture of the actual tree we got! Once we carried it down to the car, we noticed how scraggly and thin it really was. (Realizing that it was more of a Charlie Brown tree than a Griswold tree, I think we were too embarrassed to snap a photo.) Yet now as it stands sparse and beautiful in our living room, we gaze at it with affection and pride, for we worked/played so hard to get it. We LOVE it!

Wednesday, December 15

little lady

How can she be such a little lady already? Well, her name does mean, 'little & ladylike'--how fitting!

Thursday, November 18

inspiration for a new beginning

The overwhelming fact that we are miles from "home" is starting to sink in. Ah, 'debbie downer' you say. Well, give me a second...I've decided to let that develop into brighter thoughts by making THIS our home, and using it as an opportunity to reinvent anything and everything about myself and my surroundings. Looking at the situation in that light makes it new and exciting instead of drab and depressing.

The books pictured are the start of my personal design library (which, can I even call it that yet? I don't know...). two of them were gifted me by my sister-in-law, Betsy, and her husband, Alex, at Christmastime. And the other was given as a ruse to fool me by Jon at our engagement--throwing me off the scent of the ring. The books are a wonderful jumping-off point for reinvention!

Not only am I interested in making my house aesthetically pleasing, but to anyone who cares, I'm also working towards self-betterment (perhaps, aren't we all). Freedom on the inside, and of course, as any girl longs for, beauty on the outside too. Sigh--always work to be done in both respects. A never-ending beauty regiment so to speak. For an over-analyzing maniac such as myself, there is a constant struggle to keep it all in balance and still achieve the desired effect in all categories. In all this striving, I ask myself, where is the fun?

For me, herein lies the spice: Turning my inwardly-focusing, stay-at-home mom-ness into the ultimate advantage! Taking all that business in the head and putting it to good use--either get off the topic, or hang onto it and make it a reality! Each little project I finish will add a piece of me and my style to my small yet enjoyable world. Be playful and adventurous. Take more risks. Try something new. Get out of the same old rut and start fresh!

Let the fun begin!

Special thanks to Jon, Betsy, & Alex for the objects of inspiration!

Saturday, November 6

dancing with her daddy

We had an incredible time today romping around downtown Denver, actually LoDo, as they call it. Quint shops and an inspiring variety of places and people! But when it all comes back to it, I'm thankful for my little family, my hubby, who is a great daddy to our daughter, Charlotte.

This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago. Charlotte was 'dancing' in her princess dress, and Jon took the time to get dressed up himself to join his little girl. Awww, I melt. So, after all the hustle and bustle, and excitement of the big city. I come back home to this. What a delight.

I enjoy some good inspiration as much as the next person, and am delighted to share my inspiring moments with you. Mainly, I need this blog to strike remembrance in my own fickle brain of the truly good memories that seem to flicker in and out...mostly out. Hope this helps! Goodnight, Denver.

Wednesday, November 12

With Christmas just around the corner, we wrapped nearly seven hundred twinkle lights around the big pine tree in the back yard! Probably had the last warm weekend too. Afterwards, sipping hot tea and listening to gospel bluegrass, we sat around the wood fire to relax; Charlotte was fast asleep. We are so excited, since this will be her first Christmas! What a full & fabulous addition to our lives--we could not possibly love her more!!! Thank you, God.