A year already...almost

  This past weekend we came together to celebrate my sweet girls first year of life.  A decent amount of thought and planning went into the big event, though there are some things one cannot plan for.  Teething.  Considering everything, a house full of people, way too short of a nap, and teething, Ellie did quite well.  Please excuse me for a moment, I need to do some bragging.  As a new mom (although I don't know that being a new mom has anything to do with it), so as a mom, it is only normal that I think my child is pretty much the best child on the face of the earth.  But seriously, she is!! Ellie is generally a happy, fun loving, gal.  That is until you suddenly expect her to preform as such for an entire weekend. By no means was she terrible by any stretch of the imagination, but I can say that she was not entirely the Ellie that I have become accustomed to.  Of course, as soon as everyone left and she finally got a good nap, my baby girl was back! Thank you, thank you!!
  I had every intention of getting a ton of candid shots from the party.  I was already picturing the shots I would get and be able to share with you all.  Of course, once again, that didn't happen.  I tend to get ahead of myself.  I mean, why shouldn't I be able to host a party, spend those special moments with my baby girl AND be able to photograph the entire thing?!? Luckily, my sister (if you know her, you already know that somehow she is able to do all the above things i mentioned without breaking a sweat) was able to take some great shots capturing the event.  Happy Birthday ELLIE!!!

 

 

  Thank you to everyone that was able to come out and share this special day with us and thank you to all of you that were there in spirit!! XOXOXO

Driving Miss Ellie

  Last week was a tough one, in terms of naps.  There were a few days that the only way I could get Ellie to nap was to put her in the car and go for a nice drive.  Of course, as soon as I got her buckeld in and the wheels turning, she was out.  Its days like those, that I just have to let go and well, go.  After all, there really isnt much I can do about it.  Luckily, I was blessed with a child that loves the car, both for play and sleep.  Within reason, of course.  Once again, I find another perk of living in outside of town, quiet country roads. 

Wee hours

  In the wee hours of the night, when I should be sleeping, what am I doing? Why playing on pinterest of course! I have no doubt this is true for many of you.  After all pinterest is the "it" place to be right now, right?? After making a birthday banner for Ellie's upcoming party last week, I am dying to get to work on more fun projects.  I thought I might share with you all a few that I am dying to try.  Ok, there are more than a few...

I'm not actually sure as to how to make this happen, but I think its adorable and want one or two, or ten in my house!

Because every front door needs some color!

LOVE buttons!!

First, I need an a sweet little window...

Possibly, beyond my skill level, but somebody teach me cause its a must!

Too awesome for words

Ive done something like this before with my students, time to do it bigger and better!

So doing this for Ellie's room



Chickens!! Yes please!

Looks like it requires alot of time and patience, but still so cool

Again, lots of time and patience, but totally worth it

Form and function :)

New play on an old fav

I actually already have the wheel, just need to fill it.

LOVE!

So me

Love the gratitude idea, but thinking about twisting it a bit for Ellie's bday.  Stay tuned...

Cause I've got bracelet fever

LOVE natural fibers!

Because I have a gazillion mason jars, so why not!

  I am not going to sit here and pretend that I can or will do near as good of a job as the crafters that created these creations did, but I will give it a try.  I am also not going to pretend that I am going to get around to doing all or even half of them, but a girl can dream... 

Photo Op

Photo Op

  While waiting on Dad, aka Matt, yesterday at the grocery store, Ellie and I decided to do a mini photo shoot.  Enjoy!

  I mean who doesnt love some sweet baby smiles :)



Right Now

Right Now

Inspired by www.soulemama.com.  A snapshot from simple moment during the week worth reliving.  

What the future holds

  What does our future hold? That is the big question in the James house as of late.  I'm sure it is the question on the minds of many regarding their own future, but it has never been such a prevalent question for us until recently.  As Ive mentioned before, we have our place on the market, which means sometime in the hopefully near future, we will be moving on.  Literally.  Moving is not even a remotely new thing for me, I have moved too many times to count over the years.  For most, moving tends to be a big ol pain in the butt, which I admit, the actual moving process is not exactly pleasant, but I still love moving.  I love the packing process, in which i am able to pass along things that i no longer use.  De clutter people, its refreshing! I especially love the unpacking aka organizing and decorating process.  Seriously, SO MUCH FUN! But perhaps the best part of moving to me is the fresh start and new experiences.  I'm not sure if I love to move so much for the above mentioned reasons, or if it is simply that I have yet to discover a place that truly feels like home.  Or am i just a nomad?
  You see, Matt and I are not big planners.  We tend to sort of just go with the flow, see where life takes us.  That is all fine and dandy, except that now we have a little miss to consider.  I have discovered that it is pretty much impossible to not have at least a little plan when you have a baby tagging along.  Which brings up the question again, what does our future hold? or better yet, what do we want our future to hold? This is not a question that I have the answer for just yet.  I have some great ideas, but I am going to keep those all to myself for the time being.  OK well, I have told Matt, but I swore him to secrecy.  Now it is time to think, explore, and imagine the possibilities of what is to come...

 

  This is me doing some thinking in my favorite thinking spot :)