A one year old with a cell phone

I don't let Noah play with our cell phones or remote controls...but boy does he love it when he snatches them up. Once I discover the secret in his little hands he just looks up at me and drops it as if it never touched him. It's so funny and makes me laugh every time. We gave Noah one of our old cell phones to play with and talk to whoever he wants. He carries it with him everywhere. I even let him dial international as I'm not too worried about him running up the bill.

So if you have some spare time give him a call...I'm sure he'd love to talk to you!

A new year...a fresh start. I've never been big on resolutions. Probably because I feel like I'm always aiming for the same goal...to have a balanced life. I have no idea what that actually looks like, however, I think if I were to personally define it, it would mean to successfully be content in all areas my life. Continually growing and learning and becoming more of who God wants me to be. Sounds wonderful and relaxing doesn't it?

It seems like with a new year comes the desire to get organized! I figured a Fabulous Find Friday would be just the place to share some organizing tips I've discovered.

1. I like this idea of using shadow boxes to hold and display jewelry. I'm strongly considering doing this in my bedroom. Yes, I have a dresser that has those special drawers just for jewelry...but yes, they are all junked up with lots of non-jewelry items and the jewelry I do have is lying under it all somewhere.

2. I think this could be a great space saver when you are limited on desk space. And the color options are fun!

3. I am addicted to magazines. I blame my mom. This magazine rack would be a great way to get my recent magazines out of the way but still easy to grab. I've also seen people use decorative ladders for this use as well.

4. We get home and have to charge up our cell phone, ipod, camera, etc. This recharge station makes a whole lot of sense in keeping all of those gadgets and gizmos out of the way.

So go....get organized! Or be like me and buy the magazines that at least talk about getting organized.

One year photos

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Years Lucas lovingly agreed to do a family portrait session and Noah's One Year photos. Noah has the best smile and every photo just makes me feel so blessed he's mine.

I'm not big on the decorative backgrounds so I try to bring a little something from home to add a personal touch. I had purchased this metal airplane for Lucas a few years ago for his birthday and I love how it turned out.












And as for Noah's one year stats:
Weight 20 lbs 11.4 oz + Height 28.5 in = One healthy, happy boy!

Hello Ya'll...

Well, we've spent the last two weeks away spending Christmas with extended family and doing a little vacationing on our own. I think now we need a vacation from our vacation!

We set out to Savannah, GA to meet up with Hubbys' side of the family for Christmas. It was a nice time down in Paula Deen country.

After Christmas our immediate family headed to Hilton Head beach where N ran into the Atlantic Ocean. He loved it.



We also made sure to hit Tybee Island and the historic area of Savannah.



We didn't make it to Paula Deen's Lady and Sons restaurant but we did head to her brother's restaurant, Uncle Bubba's. It was my first time trying oysters.


Before heading back home we spent our last night and day in Atlanta where we visited their amazing aquarium. The Christmas lights were still up while we were there so we spent the night walking about Olympic Centennial Park. Unfortunately the photos we took were less than adequate of our experience there, but we had a great time.




There was a "petting" area and one of the employees held up the turtle for N to pet. I had the antibacterial wipes ready when he made it back to the stroller.

Phew...are you as tired as we are? Oh yeah, and sometime in the middle of our trip I headed to Lincoln for my best friend's wedding...CONGRATULATIONS Jeremy and Sarah Smith!

Little shoes

We had a birthday party to go to at the park this morning and knowing that Noah would be walking around in the wet grass, I decided to head to the store to get him his first real pair of shoes. There is just something about little children's shoes that makes you want to squish them and buy them in every color and style. I did stick to buying just one pair. They were an expensive pair. More than anyone should normally pay for a growing boy...but there is something about firsts that make me bypass my knowledge of saving money and go for what I really want. I convince myself that it's a one-time thing and the memories will be worth it! And they usually are. He will, however, be wearing them until his little toes are poking out the top.

And pay no attention to the big boy shoes that are in need of some severe buffing...

A bucket full of toys

I turned around for literally one second and this is what I found when I looked back...

And this is when he noticed I discovered his secret...

And this is him realizing he needs to find a way out...

He was so quiet I have no idea how he managed to get in there without falling in. And then, I saw him do it again. Such a smart little guy.

I want a bowl of cereal for every meal!

I have been eyeing these latte bowls for a couple of years now. Yesterday, my good friend (and personal shopper now) spotted them here and let it slip that they were on sale. ON SALE! Get me one in every color please...! However they were out of orange. I MUST get the orange. Now, just to convince my husband that we've had them for a long time and where has he been for not noticing them before??? And no, I didn't need any bowls. However I have a weak spot for dishes, and unfortunately no storage for them. I blame my mom for that addiction. That one and for my large stack of magazines that continues to grow. My husband would also blame her for the many, many pillows that are thrown onto our couches and bed.

Speaking of my mom...go welcome her to blogland! She has a picture of their home which is just beautiful! She is so creative...I can't wait to see what else she has to share.

And in shop news, we're closing the store Dec. 21st for a couple of weeks. Be sure to return though after the holidays as I'll have a lot of new listings with new designer fabrics and patterns!