Our Simple Life

Paris...

2012-01-31T10:41:00.001-07:00

This will be me and my love one day.... we'll get there !

French Macaroons

2012-01-29T10:35:00.002-07:00

Gorgeous Desserts.... I'm going to make these for Valentine's Day dessert for my sweetheart ! I hope they turn out just as pretty :)

Bird House

2012-01-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

This little bird house turned our so cute and only took me about 1/2 hour to do. So easy :) I LOVE birds and bird houses !!

Eau de Toilette...

2012-01-24T14:05:00.001-07:00

My obsession w/ mini perfume bottles is peaking. *shoot, lets be honest, it has peaked*. It started when I was given some of my Grandma Kramer's perfume bottles that she has had for years. Unfortunately, one smells a little "aged", but fortunately, the bottle is beautiful. The rest actually smell quite lovely. One is even from Cartier *how Parisian do I feel ? I can see the Eiffel Tower from here*. It's called "So Pretty" and in today's world it runs $48 smack-a-roos for a 1oz bottle. (which is what mine is). I'm sure my Grandpa didn't have to pay that much for it when he got it for "his girl"...although, she is certainly worth that much, and he certainly would have paid that much if she wanted it :) I smell them, and I think of her. So classy. So feminine. So... Grandma !

Most of the ones I have, I've gotten at Walgreens *yes, that's right people. I love a good drug store* for $9.99. Sure beats droppin' $48 bones :) My mom said that when she met Grandma Kramer for the first time, she saw in her room that she had this beautiful mirror/tray that she had placed her perfume/vintage brush/mirror/special treasures on, and mom thought it was so lovely. Newly married, she and dad didn't have much money, so she knew she could never afford a mirror/tray like the one Grandma had, so she went out and bought the best one she could afford. Needless-to-say, it was cheaply made. But to this day, my mom still has her perfumes/pearl necklaces, etc. sitting on that "cheap" mirror/tray. And... now... she has the very same one she saw in Grandma Kramer's room... sitting on her dresser with that very same vintage brush and comb. Good things come to those who wait :) I'll find my own mirror/tray one of these days and if I am patient enough, I may just end up w/ two more...

Dontcha love it...dontcha hate it when...

2012-01-24T12:30:00.001-07:00

Don't you love it when : Your little boy requests for you to make blueberry scones that he just " looooves" . Today, we made our 4th batch of scones in 2 weeks. I swear, Noah could survive on scones alone. Oh, and milk of course.

Don't you hate it when: You go to make your kid a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and notice that the bread has a little bit of mold on it. * the new loaf of bread is still in the freezer and your kid is starving to death* Ummm.... leftover pasta w/ shrimp and alfredo ? Yes please.

Don't you love it when: you go see your family Doctor and learn your BMI is much lower than you thought ? Good thing I lost those 20lbs after I had Liam. I'm sure I would not have been so impressed w/ that number. I got a high 5 from my husband :)

Don't you hate it when: Your doctor feels/sees something and gets a concerned look on his face ?

Don't you love it when: You look over and see your *almost 3 year old* copying you and trying to "twirl" his fork to pick up his pasta * melt*

Don't you hate it when: You're half way through putting food in a tupperware container and you realize that it's not going to all fit. * sigh... just dirtied a dish for NO good reason*

Don't you love it when: Your fireplace puts out so much heat that you almost sweat to death, and when you walk into another room *without a fireplace, just a dumb ol' regular heater* , a temperature of 70 feels " cold " .

Don't you hate it when : You're pretty sure you'd cut off your own arm to have a diet coke, but you're too lazy to pile both kids into the car and drive to the store to get it ?

Don't you love it when: You lay one kid down to nap, JUST as the other one is waking up ? ( sense the sarcasm in this last one) * Will I reak all day long or do I actually get to take a shower before my husband gets home and thinks I did nothing all day but write on my blog :)

Three men and a little lady...

2012-01-20T13:58:00.001-07:00

How lucky I am to be " that " little lady :)

Liam...4 months !

2012-01-04T13:49:00.001-07:00

This is my sweet, sweet Liam at 4 months. As you can tell, he NEVER misses a meal and he smiles almost constantly when he is awake. I don't know how Josh and I ended up w/ two such good little boys, but we must have done something right to deserve them. I have said so many times, and I'll say it again...Liam has completed our family. I knew there was one more out there for us, and surprise... here he is !! If I could get paid for kissing his fat cheeks all day long.... I'd be rich ! It's a full-time job, but hey, someone has to do it ! (paid or not ). You can't look at this kid and not be happy. He was sent from Heaven above and he is just that.... an angel. Here are some things we love about our LeeLee at 4 months.

He moans himself to sleep. ( SO cute)
He covers his face with his hand when he's trying to go to sleep ( even cuter than moaning)
He loves to follow his big brother Noah around the house ( w/ his eyes that is)
Even though Noah is still in denial about Liam's existence, Liam loves him anyway
Even though Noah hauled off and smacked Liam in the face not too long ago, Liam loves him anyway
He loves to eat and tries to hold the bottle himself
He does sit-ups/crunches when he is sitting in his swing...the kid has the strongest stomach muscles ever
He can stand for about 2 minutes without his legs getting tired (with us lightly balancing him) Strong legs to go along w/ the tummy
He smiles ALL. THE. LIVE. LONG. DAY.
He loves to give his mommy wet, slobbery kisses... and she just eats them up
He loves when his daddy sings to him
He has more of a grunting laugh because he doesn't know how to laugh yet
He looks so good in the color blue
People say he looks like me. But I see Noah as a baby in him Which is confusing, because Noah was/is a mini Josh. I don't get it. Who does Liam look like ?
He has the longest fingers and toes ever !!
His hair is growing in dark brown
He scoots on his back and can do a complete circle on the floor
The SECOND his eyes open in the morning... he is HAPPY
When he gets mad, he gets mad fast... just like his mama
He is a thumb sucker !! I wanted Noah to suck his thumb so bad and he wouldn't. I think it's so cute and I'm so happy Liam has found his chubby little thumb. I just need to stop him before he gets buck teeth... and preferably before he starts school. The other kids will eat him alive !
He loves to sit in his swing, in the kitchen and watch mommy cook
He falls asleep in his daddys' arms but not mommy's
He has two nicknames; Leelee, and Giff ( Gifford is his middle name)
He drinks his bottle, sits up. and normally burps right away. Sometimes he burps WHILST he's eating
When he poops, his face is hilarious. So serious !
Josh sings a song that says " L.I.am ( like Will.i.am from Black Eyed Peas) Liam loves it
He is the best traveler in the car. Usually falls right to sleep. His brother, on the other hand, hated the car until he was much older
He pretty much lets anyone hold him without crying or looking for mama or daddy
He is so curious. Always looking around
When I'm feeding him., he just stares at me and smiles. He looks at me as if he really does know me and it melts my heart every time

I could go on and on about this gorgeous little baby of mine, but my bragging will start to annoy people ! I am so blessed and beyond happy to be his mother. I miss him when I'm not with him. Even just running errands the other day for 4 hours.I got home and just held him up and smelled him and squished him in my arms. I want my boys to grow up and love me. I don't want to smother them and be the "Mother-in-law from hell " . I'm very protective of my children, so it could go either way w/ my future daughter-in-laws. We'll see ! Until that day though.... I will continue to kiss his cheeks, make farting sounds on his big belly, try to get his big brother to accept the fact that Liam is here to stay, and simple adore this little person I call my son !

We love you so much Liam !

Christmas Project/Present

2012-01-03T08:27:00.002-07:00

Ha !! Noah was afraid of the sound from the drill and sander so he covered his face. I guess that made him safe. If you don't see it, it can't possibly be real right ? :)

My family decided to have Christmas at our own homes this year and then in January, all meet up in McCall (Idaho) for a week of fun in the snow. ( we hope... no sign of snow yet). We leave on Friday for Boise and then everyone else flies in on Saturday and the fun begins !! Along w/ the other presents I got for everyone, I wanted to make my annual " Homemade " gift. So I put together 5 of these little photos of my sweet family. I sure hope it adorns a few walls !

Romantic Christmas Decor...

2011-12-09T12:01:00.001-07:00

How gorgeous is this ?

A Simple Christmas..

2011-12-04T10:47:00.001-07:00

As I sit here watching our Little House on the Prairie Christmas DVD's w/ Noah, I'm reminded of how simple things used to be. And should be...even today. I know times have changed, but I miss the simplicity. I have always told Josh when our kids are big enough to really understand, I want to do four Christmas gifts for each of them. And only four.

1. Something to read (I am big on books and my kids will get new books every b-day and Christmas)
2. Something you need
3. Something to wear
4. Something you want

I realize, it may be hard to stick to that plan. The Grandparents always go crazy with the gifts for the kids. My parents, as of right now, only have 4 grandsons. Brennon, Noah, Liam and Finn. So buying little things here and there add up quickly for each of them. But, as parents, Josh and I can work hard to not spoil them, in the sense that they expect the undercarriage of the tree to be filled w/ wrapped presents every year. I want them to know and understand what Christmas is truly about. My mom bought Noah the cutest little Christmas book last year. It asks questions like " Is Christmas about the presents, or the cookies mommy makes, or the cards she sends out every year, or the Christmas plays we never miss... etc... then goes on to talk about " no... all those things are nice, but the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of our Savior ". Every time I pull it out, or show Noah the nativity scene on the table, he says in his sweet little voice " Baby Jesus ", and my heart just melts. Children are so precious and so innocent.

I look up in our loft and see all the presents that I have wrapped. It's like Santa's work shop up there. There are so many ! And while I'm so grateful that my husband works so hard so that we can give so much, it just makes me want to do my 4 gift idea that much more. I strive to live a simple life. To make my house cozy and beautiful w/ simple decor. Full of books and candles, and pictures of our family. Memories !! That is what makes a home a home. Not "stuff"(in my opinion). The other day Josh and I wrote down on paper some of the things we love about each other. One of his for me was, that I work so hard to create and keep memories for our family. Noah and Liam's baby books are are bursting at the seams. Our walls are filled w/ pictures. The bookshelf is lined with photo albums full of our trips, and babies being born, and family get togethers. I treasure my pictures so much. I want my kids to look back on them and remember all the fun things we did as a family. To remember that their mom and dad loved them so much that we wanted to give them a good life. Full of memories :) I pray I'm doing that for them.

It has been so fun this year to see Noah 'get it' just a little bit more. He gets so excited about Santa and Rudolf and the Christmas tree and lights. Again, that is only part of Christmas, but for a little boy like him, he deserves to have that joy in his eyes. All children do. And even though I want to focus on the four gifts and the true meaning of Christmas, I want Noah and Liam to BELIEVE for as long as they can. As long as they can still hear that bell ringing, they can believe in the magic !!

(photo of Noah putting his Polar Express "Bell" on the tree)

Tuesday's Pick...

2011-11-15T13:42:00.001-07:00

The other day I was looking on our "old" computer (desktop-gasp !) and found some notes I had jotted down on subjects and questions to write about. This is something I used to do a long time ago with my journal entries. I would gather a bunch of different topics and put them all in a jar and pick one each day for that entry. With Facebook being so accessible these days, I feel as though I'm neglecting my blog...which at one time used to be the place I came to, to really express myself and share things about my family. While Facebook is quick and easy, I don't feel like it "really" connects people. It just seems cold to me. A blog is personal. It's who you are. So I'm really going to try to focus more on my blog and share things that have meaning to me. Not just pictures of how cute my kids are or of the latest dish I've created in the kitchen. It's time to get personal...again !

So I randomly picked one of the topics to write about today and will continue to do that on my blog. I want people to actually read my blog again. And enjoy it :)

Today's topic: Describe how you felt when you gave birth...

Most little girls dream of being mothers when they grow up. I was one of them. While I also wanted to be a florist like Janet from Three's Company, my main "Job" was to be a mother and wife. After many years of dating, having my heart broken, breaking hearts myself... I finally found "the one". Unlike most of my friends who married very young, I (had to) wait until I was 34 to get married. But that's just the way it was supposed to be for me. Had I married one of the "other guys', who knows where I would be today. Things happen for a reason. I waited all those years for a reason. For Josh ! He was worth the wait.

When you are little and dreaming, you never imagine you will have to wait so long, or that you will have issues with getting pregnant, not being able to get pregnant at all, or having difficult pregnancies. I never in a million years, dreamed I would have problems becoming a mother. Getting pregnant was never a problem. Josh and I just have to look at each other and I'm pregnant !! But in the 5 years we have been married, I have had 4 babies. We found out that I have a problem w/ my cervix that makes it hard to "stay" pregnant after 20 weeks. This problem requires a procedure called a cerclage. A stitch that holds my cervix closed and allows the baby to grow to full term. (in most cases). We have two of those beautiful children here w/ us. Noah and Liam. And two of them were only here for a short while. They came to this earth to gain a body, and then returned back home to their Father in Heaven. To be honest, for reasons I still struggle to understand. Gracie and Oliver left this earth much too soon. But I hold out hope that I will see them again and raise them as my own some day. I have to believe that or my heart will be broken all over again.

If I'm going to talk about giving birth, I have to speak of all of my children. Because the truth is, I have had 4 babies. Giving birth to Gracie and Oliver was something I will never forget. Josh and I were so scared. It was too early. We went from being so happy about being pregnant, to being completely devastated at the thought of losing our children. And we knew the outcome was not going to be good. No parent should ever have to experience losing their children. I won't go into too much detail, because those precious moments and hours that we shared w/ our babies is so sacred to us. But I will say how grateful I am that I was able to hold them and kiss them, and dress them, and bathe them and say goodbye to them. Letting the nurse take them from my arms was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever done. We decided to have them cremated. I know what many people think about this, but I didn't and still don't care. We did what we needed to do. I could not bare the thought of putting my babies tiny bodies in the ground. I just wasn't going to do it. I knew we would not live in Utah for much longer and I was not going to leave them behind. They are here w/ us now in our house and it brings me so much comfort. A part of them is with us. They will forever be a part of our family. They will never be forgotten and they will be forever loved !! They are my angels...

Giving birth to our sweet Noah was, along w/ marrying Josh, the happiest day of my life. We made it to 38 weeks and I knew he would be healthy. The cerclage procedure worked and it got my baby here safely. After 10 hours of labor and an hour of pushing, he was here. My first thought was " he's so tiny", and then I cried so hard. Tears of joy ! He was here. I had my baby after waiting so long to become a mother. He has been such a blessing to our family. Every mother says their kid is special, and I'm one of them. Noah has such a unique personality. He is so funny and smart and such a sweetheart. I am so blessed to have a husband who works so hard so that I'm able to stay home w/ Noah. The last 2 1/2 years have been some of the most amazing, and hard, and proud, and exhausting years of my life. I am so in love w/ my little boy who is quickly becoming a big boy. Time has just flown by and it makes me sad. I try to savour every moment. Good and bad because I know I'll never get them back. I love this child so much and I am SO proud to be his mother. My life is better because of him.

With my age getting "up there"...after Noah we didn't think we'd have another baby, but I guess there were some plans we didn't know about. I was so happy to find out that I was pregnant again. The pregnancy again was very hard, but we made it to 37 1/2 weeks. My labor was very long ( about 2 days), but with 3 pushes, Liam entered the world. My first thought was " oh my gosh, he's so bruised". I was so scared when I looked ta him. He had been sitting in my pelvis for so long that his whole face was swollen and bruised. They had to put a sign on his bassinet that said " I have a bruised face" because the nurses, at first glance thought he wasn't breathing. But, he was perfectly healthy. And after a few days we were able to see how absolutely beautiful he was. Liam is such a laid back baby and smiles all the time. I so desperately wanted another baby after Noah but just wasn't sure if it was in the cards. So when he came, I felt such a completion to my life and to our family. He made us complete. Josh and I are tired all the time, but we are so happy when we look at our two boys. They are so beautiful and our family is so precious to us. I've never been happier. I married the love of my life and I am the mother to 4 beautiful children. Two of which I will raise in another life. Noah and Liam are my life. I would, like most mothers do anything to make them happy. They made my dreams come true. For that, I will forever be grateful to them.

Halloween Jurgensen Style...

2011-11-01T08:25:00.002-06:00

Halloween at the Jurgensen house. Daddy carved fun pumpkins, Noah was Woody and Liam was a cute little puppy !!How cute are my boys ? But, gatta say... Mama is glad it's all over. Bring on Thanksgiving !!

Catching Up...

2011-10-27T08:13:00.000-06:00

My beautiful family...

A lot has changed since our last family photo. For starters, we have a new member. We welcomed Liam Gifford Jurgensen on Aug. 21, 2011. He is such a sweet baby and is absolutely the completion to our family. After having Noah, I wasn't sure I would have anymore. My pregnancies are very hard and I was getting up there in age. I was 36 when I had Noah. I know, still plenty of time to have another, but after losing Gracie and Oliver it was hard to think about trying for another one w/ all of my complications. Even though I desperately wanted one. So we decide to not "try", and if it happened, it was meant to be. But I just knew there was one more meant to come down to our family). So, you could say we were very surprised to find out I was pregnant w/ Liam after Christmas. Surprised....and extremely happy. We are over the moon in love w/ this precious little baby. I can't believe 2 months have just flown by. When you wait your whole life to have a family, the time just passes too quickly. I am aware of this and I am treasuring every moment. Even the days I want to pull my own hair out :) . I am one of those mothers who constantly has a camera in my kids faces. I think one day they will thank me for it. They will have photo album after album to look back on the memories we made as a family. This is just one of the gifts I will give them. I can honestly say I am happier than I have ever been. I have a wonderful, giving husband, who happens to be pretty darn good lookin' to boot, and I am the mother to two of the sweetest, most unique, beautiful little boys I could ever dream of having. I am so blessed to be able to stay home to mother and raise them. I pray I am doing a good job and don't screw them up too badly. :) It's not always easy, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever been privliged to do. My Father in Heaven TRUSTED me enough to send me these children. That amazes and humbles me !!

My cousin Lindsey said it beautifully when speaking of her children. She has four children. 3 here w/ her, and one w/ wings. We too have four children. Two here w/ us and sadly two with wings. Gracie and Oliver will never be forgotten and they will forever be a part of our family. I know they sent me Noah and Liam and told them to be good little boys because Mommy and Daddy had been through a lot. And they are. They are such special little boys.

After having Liam, I started feeling a little crappy. I knew something wasn't right. I went to the Dr. and we found out I had "Post" eclampsia. This has been fatal for some women. So they watched me very closely. Luckily I was soon on the mend. However, not long after that, I began to hemorhage quite badly one day. I ended up in the hospital, passing out and losing 2 1/2 liters of blood. It was a very scary time for Josh and myself. It was very serious and could have been much worse had we not gotten help. For some reason, my uterus didn't contract after delivering Liam. Come to find out it was full of blood clots. I honestly could have bled to death had I not gone to the Dr. They gave me medicine to help the uterus contract and it did just what it was supposed to do. I was in the hospital for a day without having to have a blood transfusion, and was able to go home to my family. I don't know why I , or so many other women have such problems w/ pregnancies. But it certainly makes us stronger women and mothers and eternally grateful for our children once they are here. Also, during my pregnancy w/ Liam I suffered w/ depression. Josh thought it was just the normal "pregnancy mood swings" but I knew it was much more than that. I was really scared thinkging about the "what ifs" after the baby came. If I was having such a hard time before he came, what would it be like after? Luckily I only had a few days where I was insecure and a little down about my mothering abilities and then I just snapped out of it and felt like my old self again. I knew I had 2 boys to raise and they needed me. My husband also needed his wife back to her normal self. I am SO thankful I didn't suffer w/ post partum depression on a serious level. So, with everything that happens during my pregnancies, and everything that happened physically after I had Liam, it is safe to say that he will be my last baby. I know this and I honestly don't feel that we have anymore out there, but even knowing all that, I think it's bittersweet for women when they do have their last baby. There is just something about the realization of " I wont' have another baby " that hits kind of hard. But, I feel I am done. And I am so excited to get on w/ life and enjoy my family and build a lifetime of memories. I want to give my boys a wonderful life. I want them to be healthy and happy, and grow up and be good men. I want to be a better wife to my husband. Every morning I wake up and say "today I am going to be better". And some days... I even am. :)

I am not perfect, but the Lord knows my heart and He has blessed me despite my shortcomings. I will never forget this...

Happy Mother's Day ...

2011-05-08T21:49:00.001-06:00

I'm so blessed !!

Surprise !!

2011-03-22T19:52:00.002-06:00

This is why my poor blog has been neglected !! Good reason don't ya think :)(I'm 16 weeks)

My Poor Blog...

2011-03-14T21:34:00.001-06:00

... I'll tell you why it's being neglected later :)

Valentines Day...

2011-02-15T11:26:00.009-07:00

We had a great Valentines Day at the Jurgensen house. This house is always full of love but today it was oozing !! Noah and I had so much making our breakfast Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake and Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies, which by the way are the best cookies I've ever made. SO chewy and chocolatey. Perfect way to end the surprise Chinese food Josh brought home for dinner. Noah and Josh both loved their bags of Valentines treats, and mommy really loved hers. Josh knows me too well. He knows I don't need a bunch of candy, because lets face it, I will just dive into the bag I got for HIM. So... he gets me what I really want. Diet Coke and Sun Chips. Better than any piece of jewelry any day. (well, maybe not, but a close second :) ). Spread the love people !!

Curl-less !!

2011-02-07T12:19:00.004-07:00

I've been wanting to get Noah's hair cut for awhile now, but just didn't have the heart to do it. While he always looked like Einstein or Nick Nolte (in his mug shut)... I was really attached to his curls. Those were his baby hairs. So, I kept putting it off. Josh did NOT want to get it cut, but after running errands today, I said to him " honey, it's time. We need to let go of the hair". To which, he said NO, and opted to not go to the barber w/ us. I was fine at first, but then the lady started cutting it all off so fast. As I watched his baby hairs fall to the ground I got a little emotional. I know, it's just hair, it will grow back. But not those hairs. They were the baby ones :) I'm such a sap. She did cut a chunk of hair for me to put in his baby book, so that helps. He did great except for when the clippers came out. The sound scared him and he shed some tears. All in all, it went well. When we got home Josh about started crying. He loved his little hippy boy. He immediately said " We're letting it grow out again" . I said Okay, but I can already tell you how that's going to go :) I can't believe my boy is such a little man. Oh how I love him !!

He IS Mine...

2010-12-19T12:53:00.007-07:00

Okay, so... I do all the work. I gain all the weight.I get all the shots. I have all the procedures. I'm the one on bed rest. I go through all the pain...and the kid comes out looking EXACTLY like his dad. NO.FAIR.

Everyone we know says Noah is a mini Josh/little Josh/Josh Jr. And it's true. He is. And he's cuter than snot. But come on... throw a mama a bone. So far, at almost 2 years of age, my kid has ONLY 4 traits from me.

1. My hair (I had hair exactly like this when I was little. Reddish in color, straight on top and curly in back)
2. My toes (Noah's toes are scrunched together like mine are.
3. My eyes (He has blue/grey eyes just like me. That was my number one wish for traits. I wanted him to have my eye color). *score*

And... Yeeesssss !!!! Finally I have proof! This kid is mine !!! CHECK.OUT.THAT.DOUBLE.CHIN

All my hard work paid off :) *sense my thick sarcasm*

*His face after eating speghetti and meatballs for dinner*

Christmas Spirit...

2010-12-18T19:11:00.005-07:00

Christmas Stockings...

2010-12-11T12:56:00.005-07:00

These are the two Josh and I had before Noah came along. I LOVE them !! But then....

Josh's mom got us these from Pottery Barn last year. I think they are so adorable. I love them all so much that they ALL adorn the living room each Christmas. Guess you can never have too many stocking :)

Always A Mothers' Baby...

2010-11-13T11:21:00.013-07:00

It’s hard for me to put into words how in love I am w/ my son. Maybe it’s because, all I ever wanted growing up, was to be a mother. And after losing Gracie and Oliver, we finally have our Noah here. And I think it makes me love and appreciate him more. I treasure this boy. I cherish him. I honestly thank my Father in Heaven daily for sending him to me. But as happy as I am most days, some days I get really sad. He’s growing too fast. He’s not a baby anymore. He’s a little boy. Time is passing. Right now, he throws his arms around my neck and squeezes so tight. One day, he’ll be too cool to do that. (to which, I will make him hug me anyway  ). Day after day, Josh and I watch in amazement as this little person evolves. His personality is growing. He has the cutest and funniest mannerisms. He is his own person. He’s independent, and smart, and mischievous, and imaginative. And as much as I want him to grow up and be a good man. A good husband and father… I want him to stay w/ me. In our little house. In our little bubble. It is very likely that Josh and I will not have another child. It’s really hard for me to talk about that. Hard to admit. I’m not getting any younger. My pregnancies are hard. Hard on me, and hard on my husband. Could we do it anyway? Absolutely! And if it happens, it happens. And we will be grateful. But w/ the thought of Noah being our only child here on this earth w/ us, I panic sometimes. Time flies. Isn’t that the saying? Well, I don’t want it to fly. I’d like to just putter along at a slow pace. I know each phase will be fun. And the older Noah gets, the more memories we will make. But…..

If you are a mother, you know exactly how I’m feeling. He’s not a baby anymore… but he will always be my baby !!

Cottage Home...

2010-10-25T10:59:00.006-06:00

I am DYING over this little fairytail cottage. It is my dream to build a house one day that looks like a cozy little English cottage sitting on a big bed of property for Noah and his dog to run around on. Josh working in the garden, me, wearing my pearls and cooking in the kitchen or making lovely little crafts. I'll have to compromise w/ Josh and probabaly let him have his rustic beams showing on the ceiling or something, but that is fine w/ me. I love the rounded doors !! They add so much character. I'm already looking up "English Cottage" floor plans just to get ideas.

A girl can dream can't she :) And oh... how I dream !!

Just One Of The Many Things...

2010-10-23T15:06:00.002-06:00

...that make me happy... homemade cards :)

PEACE..

2010-10-17T13:16:00.003-06:00

My mom's favorite word is PEACE, so I made her a daily reminder :)

Tornado Lands...

2010-09-22T11:46:00.004-06:00

My house looks like this every day...and I couldn't love it more !! My life is good :)

Noah stuck IN the bookshelf. He's got such a distressed look on his face.

Just The Way You Are...

2010-09-16T09:11:00.001-06:00

What a great "feel good" song :)

For The Twins...

2010-09-05T10:36:00.008-06:00

Made some crafty things for my friend's twin little girls. I think they will look so cute in their seafoam/cucumber colored bedroom. Hope she likes them :)

Little Changes...

2010-08-24T10:23:00.016-06:00

BEFORE:
Was not loving this look. Too much all over the wall.

AFTER:
2nd go around. I like this look much better. I still can not hang a picture to save my life, but oh well. It doesn't look as clutterd as the 1st one. And I love the little shelf my mom gave me and the wooden sign (that I just glued cute paper to).

BEFORE:
Just okay. Nothing special. (Don't mind the can of Febreze :) )

AFTER:
I also found this (and a few other doilies) at the antique shop this summer. I LOVE doilies. Totally obsessed w/ them. Do they make me look like a grandma? Probably, but they add such a softness to anything. And they make things look shabby, which is what I'm all about. My favorite thing about this is the little crystal jar (by the vase). My mom bought it for herself and I mentioned how I wish I would have gotten something similar at the shop. Well, when I came home and unpacked, there is was with the sweetest little note stuffed inside. She said she loved me more then the jar. So, I put a few of my precious pearls in it and I love the way it looks. Those are fake flowers (obviously), but I love the way they look in the pewter vase my sister gave me years ago.

BEFORE:
Cute, but I was not loving it. I knew I wanted it to have more of a vintage feel to it.

AFTER:
My favorite thing about this is the darling little black and white photo of the two french girls having tea ( I love to think that it might have hung in some little girls room many many years ago. And did she dress up in pearls like I do ? :)) I found this at an antique shop in Michigan this summer. SO CUTE ! Looks great next to my Eiffel Tower. Oh, and I'm obsessed w/ pearls. I came home w/ about 7 new necklaces. (all from my Grandma, antique shop, new, etc... needless to say, only one pair is actually real, but I love them all just the same). (Poor Josh, could our bedroom BE more girly. But I like to think of it as a very romantic love nest :) )

I'm Leavin'...on a jet plane...

2010-07-20T10:13:00.003-06:00

However I do know, unlike the song... when I'll be back. Mid August. Noah and I will be gone for about 2 1/2 weeks, and then Josh is flying out to get us. It will stink being away from him that long. He's afraid Noah is going to forget him. (Not possible). But I know we'll have a great time w/ my family. I'm sure there will be a ton of pictures to post once I get back.

Until then...

Music Monday

2010-07-12T11:08:00.006-06:00

I love new music and finding great talent...

Paloma Faith-You never give me your money She's got the sound of Amy Winehouse, but in a "non-cracked out way".I love Amy Winehouse's voice... just NOT her lifestyle. This girl has a great sound too.

Phosphorescent - It's Not Supposed To Be That Way -I can totally hear his CD in the player while Josh and I are in the kitchen cooking a great meal... stopping in the middle of the floor to do a spin and dip as we sing along. What a great voice. So mellow... I love it when they are jammin' and it's just the instrumentals. Good stuff :) Plus he's kind of got that sexy Ryan Gosling vibe going on.

Melody Gardot-BecauseCould I love this woman's voice anymore? I don't think so. This is a beautiful remake of the Beatles song.

Noah or Josh ?

2010-07-11T10:35:00.003-06:00

Okay, the 70's decor and the fact that Noah hasn't had his 2nd birthday yet gave it away... but hello ! Could Noah look more like Josh as a little boy. How cute are they ?

Fireworks...

2010-07-04T11:53:00.009-06:00

Heber celebrated the "4th" on the "3rd"... We hit a little Mexican restaurant in Midway w/ some great food before the fireworks show ! Then it was off to find our spot in the park. It was really chilly, and we had about an hour wait when we got there, but Noah was a trooper. He's always such a good kid. Daddy chased him around on the grass and he could not take his eyes off the two cowboys playing Lacrosse. ( I use the word "playing" loosely. Dropping and running after the ball is more like it ;) )
Josh was so tired when he got home from work, and my butt and leg were still bothering me. It's not easy hobbling around w/ this cast/boot on. Going would mean Noah would stay up past his bedtime by 4 hours... we sat on the couch thinking... is it worth it ? Should we just wait until next year when Noah is bigger... but NO... we got up and went and we were so glad we did. What a great night for our little family. Happy Forth of July everyone.
.

Comfy ...

2010-06-28T11:19:00.003-06:00

I sent my husband to Costco to get some spices and he came home w/ a new couch.

Annoyed...

2010-06-22T11:50:00.002-06:00

My life right now. And can I just say... I don't have time for this. I have a 15 month old little boy :)

Little Touches...

2010-06-09T15:34:00.014-06:00

We finally finished re-painting all the rooms in the house, and the color of my bedroom is my VERY favorite. It makes me feel like I'm wrapped up in a little beach cottage. It has been so nice (since moving Noah's crib out of there) to go in a night, open the windows, let the breeze come in, light a candle and read in my bed. It is so peaceful and calming in this room. Just as it should be. Josh and I finally have "our" space back. I love all the little touches I put in. I have a few more to add, one of which it to get some cute blue and brown accent pillows, but so far... it's just my style. Simple, clean and shabby.

RUCHE

2010-06-05T13:59:00.005-06:00

Came across this gorgeous boutique online. It's called Rouch (pronounced "roosh") . Definition: A ruffle or pleat of lace, muslin or other fine fabric used to decorate clothes.

The clothes are vintage inspired and just lovely. The prices aren't too bad either. Loving these dresses:

How adorable is this wallet ? I.Am.In.Love.

New Crush...

2010-06-04T08:56:00.004-06:00

I have a new crush... on Channing Tatum. I loved him in Dear John. He was on Ellen the other day, and he was so sweet, and shy, and funny. It's good to see someone so humble and grateful for what they have. I love the way he talks... He reminds me of someone... I do that a lot. If a person reminds me of someone that I really like... then I automatically have a soft spot for them.

Weird. But true.

Being Creative...

2010-05-26T21:12:00.019-06:00

This is a project for my dear friend Tiffany...whom I have known since Kindergarden...She became a mother for the first time last year to sweet little McCall.

I hope she likes it. I'm sending it in the mail tomorrow to surprise her :)

My Love...

2010-05-26T15:31:00.004-06:00

I have been sick for the last 2 1/2 weeks w/ terrible cold. I'm starting to feel better, but I gave it Noah. He has been "feeling" miserable, but you would never know it. This kid is so happy all the time. How can I not have a good day, when I get to spend it w/ this lil' sweetheart.

Tuesday Tunes...

2010-05-25T16:46:00.003-06:00

Yes, I'm on a music kick... I'm always listening to music. Loving these songs...

Good Tunes

2010-05-22T15:30:00.002-06:00

I think John Mayer has turned into a real Douchebag (is that a bad word? If so... sorry) w/ his fame... but that being said... I do love his music and think he has an amazing voice. Not to mention he can rock out on the guitar... These are some good new songs from him. I think I need to get this CD. Hmmm... my birthday is next month. This just might be on my wish list :)

La Musique Francaise...

2010-05-20T11:52:00.010-06:00

Just like it's no secret that I love Mother's Day.... I absolutely LOVE French Music ! I've never even been to France...but it is a daily dream of mine. I WILL get there...and it will be so worth the wait.

Things I love about France: (from my imagination and dreams)
The cheese
The bread
The movies
The language (of love)
The culture
The history
The architecture
The countrysides
The cottage homes
The fashion (cute little scarves worn with everything)
The romance of sitting at a cafe reading the paper
The pastries
The Eiffel Tower
The museums
The skinny/cobblestone ally-ways

I could go on and on. This is how my brain works. I day dream all the time. The beauty helps me fall asleep at night peacefully. One day, my dream will become a reality and I will walk those narrow ally-ways holding the hand of my love Josh...and a baguette and hunk of cheese in the other hand.... L'Amore !!

If you enjoy French music as well, here are some of my favorite movies w/ wonderful French music in them. Give it a try... you'll be singing C'est Si Bon in no time !

Eartha Kitt-C'est Si Bon

Edith Piaf-La Vie En Rose

Charles Trénet - La Mer

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-19T13:15:00.005-06:00

It's no secret that I LOVE Mother's Day. I've waited my whole life to be a mother !! So I really look forward to this special "acknowledged" day. It was a great day. Josh made us a yummy dinner, we went to the park and played on the swings (it was REALLY windy that day. Hence, the not so great pictures), I received a wonderful card and a promise to go to the nursery and pick out some hanging flower plants for the front porch, I was able to spend the day w/ MY MOM for the first time in years and I got to hold my beautiful lil' boy and tell him how grateful I am to be his mother.

Fun w/ Grandma & Poppy Kramer

2010-05-19T12:24:00.014-06:00

My mom and dad are SO wonderful and sweet w/ their grandsons. They absolutely love spending time w/ them and it kills them that they are so far away from them both. (for now). One day, they will move out this way (probably to WA. somewhere, and they will be able to see them much more). Until then, they take advantage of the time they do have with Brennon and Noah.

Weekend In Boise

2010-05-19T09:30:00.017-06:00

We had SUCH a great time in Boise w/ Brennon for his: 1. Primary talent show 2. Baptism and 3. his BIRTHDAY party !! It's hard to put into words how special this little man is to our family. He has been such a blessing to the Kramer's since he was born. (And we love his mama lots too :) She has become one of my dear friends). So we were so happy to be able to go and support him. He was so excited and happy the whole time.

The talent show was hilarious. Some kids got up and did headstands, drew pictures or read poems, but not our Bren. He got up and ROCKED a Michael Jackson "Smooth Criminal" dance. (I'm still trying to figure out how to download the video. My camera is having problems w/ that. But it is AWESOME !! ). He was by far the best one there. (although his brother RJ did a great job at playing the guitar :) ). Brennon was "offering" autographs at the end :) Too funny.

I am so mad at myself for NOT getting a picture of him in his cute little suit. Everyone was so rushed there just wasn't time. After he was confirmed it was like a mad rush out of the chapel. ( there were several baptisms that day). So we all headed to Pojo's for his birthday celebration. But he looked very handsome in his suit. My mom and I were bawling as we watched him get baptized. What a special day for our special guy. :)

The party was so fun. It was loud and crowded and JUST for Bren. My dad made him an AMAZING piggy bank. A slot for spending, saving and tithing. He spent so much time on it and it was gorgeous. He ordered all these vintage post office parts and doors from eBay to make it even more unique. Brennon loved it !! It sure beat my paint and drawing pad :) But I did have fun painting w/ Bren later. Those paint colors were awesome :)

We love you so much Brennon and we are so thankful that you are a member of our family. PS. Your mama is gorgeous. Loved your hair this weekend Lis :)

So Shabby...

2010-04-23T11:05:00.003-06:00

Saw this on The Painted Cupboard blog.... LOVING this idea !! She is so talented :) I'm going to have to try this some day. SO shabby !!

The Park

2010-04-20T16:00:00.010-06:00

I know there are tons of pictures of Noah pretty much doing the same thing... LOVING the swing !! But, I am in such a good mood today I just wanted to share this darling little boy w/ everyone. I was really down in the dumps yesterday, and even though it was a gorgeous day outside, I couldn't motivate myself to take my son to the park. Today I woke up feeling so much better, so we headed off and had some really good mommy and Noah time. This kid was laughing SO hard while I swung him. He absolutely loved being outside and swinging. What a sweetheart he is and how thankful I am to be his mother...

PS. Check out his rolly-polly legs !!

Busy Boy...

2010-04-17T16:15:00.012-06:00

This kid keeps me going all day long !! He is in to EVERYTHING. It is so nice to finally have some warm weather so we can get out, and he can... GET TIRED :) We've been going on "bundled up" walks even with the cooler weather, but the warmth is finally here and it's going to be playing at the park time and cooking out and playing out in the yard time. I can smell the grill BBQ'ing somethin' up already :)

That last picture cracks me up... it's like he's posing for a Sears Catalog or something. Elbow on the knee, fist under the chin... silly boy. Truth is, I think he just didn't want to touch the grass :)

Oh, how I love this little human being that we made.

My Turn On Earth...

2010-04-16T14:53:00.003-06:00

I have had this book and record since I was a little girl. It has the cutest illustrations in it. I love it and I can't wait to read it to Noah :)

Twins...Not Mine...Hers :)

2010-04-12T11:31:00.004-06:00

I'm going down to Moab for a week to help this gorgeous mama...

Heidi Before...

Heidi, Lofton, Zayhla & Kaihanna after...

Spring Is Coming...

2010-04-11T19:58:00.006-06:00

This tree is in the front yard of my aunt and uncles' house in Boise. It makes me happy. It is a sign that new life is beginning. Spring is coming. The bees are buzzing.Plus... it's gorgeous! I love the way the buds wrap around the trunk as if hanging on for dear life. I love Spring ~

Cute Curtains...

2010-04-11T19:25:00.008-06:00

Right now my kitchen is still that coffee color, but when my mom and dad come out in two weeks, it's going to be Soothing Green Tea :) It will look so cute w/ the eyelet white curtains :)

Before:

And After...

My Thoughts Exactly...

2010-04-11T12:10:00.003-06:00

OKAY !! OKAY !! I admit it... I stole this image from another blog. There you got it out of me. But...It's like... the motto of my life !

Vans

2010-04-09T15:12:00.001-06:00

This is my favorite purchase as of late...cute little Vans for Noah. To die for !

Oregon Coast

2010-04-08T12:10:00.012-06:00

We had a good time on our trip, but for some reason, this time, I could not WAIT to get home. I was very homesick for MY house. There really is no place like home. Here are some pics of things we did. How cute are my boys ;)

Easter 2010

2010-04-08T11:42:00.007-06:00

Even though we were not at home this year, the Easter Bunny still found our lil' Noah at the ocean :) He left him lots of treats in his basket like bubble bath, fruit roll-ups, a chocolate bunny, blowing bubbles, chocolate dipped egg shaped shortbread cookies, a yellow stuffed chicky and colored eggs. But most of all, mommy loved how cute her boy looked in his spiffy Easter outfit. Words can not describe how much Josh and I love our beautiful little boy :)We are so blessed !

Bon Voyage ...

2010-03-25T16:25:00.002-06:00

We're going here... see you in 2 weeks ;)

Sea Glass...

2010-03-24T11:02:00.004-06:00

I love love love Sea Glass... I think it's so pretty :)Just something little that makes me happy !

Ideas...

2010-03-22T11:08:00.004-06:00

Quote of the day:

Deb: I really want to get a new dining room table. One of those long rustic old farm tables where you can have chairs on one side and a bench on the other, and maybe make some cushions to go on them... You can have it natural looking or dress it up w/ a fancy table cloth, and I'm going to make some new white curtains for the kitchen... and .... and... and....

Mom; Deb... you have so many ideas, how does your head not explode?

Deb: Well... it does hurt.

This Should Have Been Me...

2010-03-19T10:38:00.005-06:00

I am in love w/ this dress...

Aren't these shoes to die for...

This all should have been me. I feel such a connection to the 1940's. (don't ask me why). Yes, the War was going on then too, but things were so simple back then. The clothes were beautiful, the cars were big and safe(er), the wives stayed home and raised the children and had dinner on the table when the husband got home from work (that part IS me :) ). The music was pure and silly. The dancing was, again, pure and modest. People actually had manners back then. The "bad" boy was someone who rode a motorcycle and wore a leather jacket. If only that was the description of a bad boy today. Kids played outside until dark until their mother called them in from the front porch. Nobody locked their doors. Wives always had red lipstick on. Husbands wore slippers as they read the newspaper. It's all SO romantic to me. I wonder if people would make fun of me if I started wearing clothes from the 1940's. Who cares if they did... I'd look fabulous :)

Chocolate Doughnuts

2010-03-18T19:24:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I tried doing sugar doughnuts, but as I grated my frozen strawberries into the sugar, it made everything kind of wet. (duh!). I guess I waited too long to dip the doughnuts, because the sugar wasn't sticking. So... I just melted some chocolate and dipped them. I also made some doughnut holes. They taste really good. But... I did burn my hand really bad w/ the grease. Josh felt so bad when he came home. He was so surprised and happy I made them, but when he saw my hand, he said "oh my gosh... you burned your hand making those for ME ? "... Yep buddy... that's how much I love ya :)

Gorgeous Food

2010-03-18T12:04:00.005-06:00

Don't these look divine ? I found this on another blog that I love. These are Cherry Blossom Doughnuts... Seeing as how I don't have any Cherry Blossom's, I'll just have to make some regular ol' sugar doughnuts... but I'm going to try to season the sugar w/ some frozen strawberries that I have. (I'm going to try to grate them. We'll see if it works :) ).

I think this would be a nice breakfast treat for my sweets. Even though he told me he is trying to watch his weight... I'm guessing he would eat some of these ;)

Outside Boy...

2010-03-18T10:50:00.005-06:00

Noah is SO happy when he's outside ! He actually crawed out of his stroller the other day trying to get over to where dad was. He loved watching Josh dig up the garden beds and kept staring at all the big rakes and shovels. He is going to love this summer when it's warm and he can play and run around, help dad in the garden and hike and camp. We can't wait either buddy :)

My Hero

2010-03-16T10:29:00.005-06:00

I've been thinking about my Grandpa Laney a lot lately and how much I miss him. He was, without a doubt, the best person I've even known. He was a hard worker, a loving husband and father. He gave his time and effort and sweat to help others. He was the epitome of a good servant. He loved the Lord and dedicated his life to pleasing Him. He was the best example of what a good human being should be. He was loved and respected by so many people. I am lucky to say that Ron Laney is my grandpa. Even though he's no longer w/ us, I know he is busy up there doing the Lords work... still :)

This is a funny picture. I think it was from my mom and dad's wedding reception after the Temple. I LOVE this blue striped suit of his. My sister Audrey "cut" around the picture and put it up in her room when she was little. But it still displays his cute smile and his eyes that would disappear the bigger his smile was.

I know that Grandpa is taking care of my Gracie and Oliver for me. I wish he could have met Josh. I think they would have been great pals. And, maybe he already knows Noah. Maybe they had long talks before Noah came down to us :) That would make me really happy :)

I love you Grandpa ! I wrote this after we lost Gracie but before we lost Oliver;

My Hero

So many ways to describe you
But what comes to my mind is
True example of goodness
Always striving to be the best
You can be
The love of my grandmothers' life
Thinking of you
My memories flood
Beehives
Bread and milk
Bald head and bowed legs
So humble and sweet
Never judging anyone
Friend to all
Lending a helping hand
Words of advice
Bridget worshiped you
Still does
I know you are working hard
Looking like you did years ago
Strong and beautiful
Please take care of my Gracie
Until I can be there
You will teach my child much
This I know
Grandma writes to you every day
Longs to be with you
Soon you'll see your Eternal companion
A reunion I wish I could witness
Of all grandpas
You are mine
Something I thank my Father in Heaven for
Every day
I carry your pictures in my wallet
And feels so unbelievably proud
You are who you were meant to be
Ronald Laney
Loved by everyone who ever met you
I miss you more than you'll ever know
And I'll hold you in my heart
Forever

Thank You Cards

2010-03-14T16:43:00.009-06:00

Noah's birthday was a week ago, and I still haven't gotten thank you cards out. So today I sat down and quickly pounded out 7 very simple cards in about an hour. I am a firm believer in giving a thank you card... no matter how big or small the gift is. Showing appreciation is so important to me ! So, here are some of them. I was in a very "flowery" mood. Simple, just my style :)

Mason Jars...

2010-03-13T13:56:00.002-07:00

I LOVE old mason jars. I LOVE the aqua color and the vintage look of them. At the craft store, there is a powder substance that you can drizzle into plain jars, that will turn them into a blue/aqua/green color. It makes them look aged. For years, I have been saving clear bottles of unusual size and shapes and one day soon, I am going to start this project. I will have a white shelf full of these blue and aqua jars for my shabby cottage home.

I also love the idea of putting a few vacation memories in jars. What a clever way to display :)

Our Home

2010-03-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Our Home

Is small
And cozy
And ours
It is filled with
Love and laughter
It is overflowing with
Baby stuff
Our love
And smells good
All the time
Wonders from the kitchen
Candles and music
A cottage of what I long for
This is where we became
A family
Daddy
Mommy
And children
Gracie Oliver Noah
I have never been
Happier
My life full
Only to get better
With time
More in love with my
Husband
Then the day I married him
Wonderful provider
Hard working
Loves his boy
And wife
The simple life
Is what we strive for
Finding joy
In the little things
It doesn’t take much
To make us happy
Being with friends
And family
Being good to
Each other
Love
Hugs and kisses
Being us

John Muir

2010-03-13T10:50:00.002-07:00

“The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber & cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing.” John Muir

This is one of my husband's hero's ! I too, have much respect for this man. This naturalist. As lovers of the outdoors, Josh and I appreciate everything this wonderful human being did for this country. He fought for preservation ! We now have so many National Parks and Monuments to visit because of him. We have the Sierra Club which does so many wonderful things for this land. He was a beautiful writer of nature. As a writer myself, I love his tender words and the detail in his work. I could go on and on about him, but I'll just leave my thoughts simple. Like him.

Book of Love

2010-03-11T13:26:00.001-07:00

I want this book!

Labradoodle...

2010-03-11T13:16:00.002-07:00

I want one of these SO bad... so does Josh, it's just a matter of time !! They are SUCH good dogs. So good w/ kids, great for camping and hiking, very little shedding... I can't wait to get one. Josh wants to get a girl dog and name her Sadie :)A dog will be a great addition to our little family. Noah loves dogs too !

Noah's Baby Book

2010-03-09T11:24:00.002-07:00

In Noah's baby book there are two very special pages: A letter from Mommy, and A letter from Daddy. Josh's letter to his son was so sweet.

Dear Noah,

It has been a full year since you were born. You have brought us so much happiness! I am so proud to be your daddy. Your first year of life has been joyous for many reason. I think the biggest one is that mommy has been able to stay home with you every day to watch you grow. Even though I'm at work a lot, it seems like all your "firsts" have happened when I was home. (like, talking, crawling, walking and clapping). I am really looking forward to this summer. You are going to help daddy outside. We are going to have so much fun with the yard and garden. I won't even tell mom if you eat some critters or dirt. Most importantly, we are going to go camping and hiking! I can't wait until you fit on my back with the pack. I love you so much son! I look forward to all your other "firsts". Remember, if Daddy isn't around all the time, it doesn't mean he loves you any less. Dad just has to work a lot.

Love,
Daddy

The Lion Says ROAR ...

2010-03-08T10:09:00.004-07:00

Happy boy playing w/ Birthday toys... He was a little scared of his lion at first, but now he loves it...

He's Not A Baby Anymore...

2010-03-08T09:49:00.008-07:00

(Once again, these pics are for my friends and family not on Facebook)

We had a small, but fun party for Noah's 1st birthday. Our neighbor Kourtnie and her two kids came over and ate and celebrated w/ us. Noah loves to be around other kids, so he was pretty quiet taking everything they did in. He pulverized his cupcake. He is not used to sugar at all, but seemed to like the icing. Josh and I were beaming w/ pride for our baby... who is not so much a baby anymore. Time flies... especially when you are having the time of your life :)

We love you so much Noah !

Whistle While You Work...

2010-03-04T11:05:00.004-07:00

I guess he wanted to help me dry the dishes :) Mama's little helper :)

It Wasn't Me...I Promise Mom

2010-03-04T10:59:00.004-07:00

This is what I found the other day when I came out from the kitchen. He had totally destroyed a magazine. Luckily it was just Costco Connection and not my Martha Stewart :)

Follow The Instructions...

2010-02-26T10:31:00.003-07:00

A friend of mine got this for me years ago, and as I was looking through it today, I thought I would put some of the very simple, but very good advice on my blog every now and then.

Life's Little Instruction Book Volume 2:

#513: Never laugh at anyone's dreams

Cute Blogs

2010-02-23T14:00:00.003-07:00

Hey all you friends out there w/ cute blogs that change the look every now and then... do you get those for free or do you have to pay for them ? I've found darling stuff on Shabby Miss Jenn, (but have no idea how to upload everything)... but I was just wondering if when your blog look changes, is there a fee ?

Tips/hints/ideas/help... much appreciated :)

Wall of Frames...

2010-02-16T11:03:00.002-07:00

Before this project, this wall had only two Ansel Adams prints on it. Now... they have been replaced by some of my favorite memories. I'm still not sure if I like how it turned out. And I'm thinking about taking everything down, patching up the tiny nail holes and starting over. Tell me what you think ? Does it look cluttered ? Do I need to organize the frames in a different way ? Some days I like it and other days I want to change it. Give me feedback :)

Day of LOVE...

2010-02-16T10:51:00.006-07:00

Even though Josh was/has been sick w/ a cold, we still had a nice Valentines Day. Noah and I got up early and made sugar cookies and pink icing, which were served on the prettiest plate in the house. (Blue Ridge China). Then I got started on my special dinner for my sweets. Sweet and Sour Chicken and Kielbasa Kabobs , w/ rice and green beans (w/ a Sesame oil and soy sauce mixture).

LOVE my boys !

Photo Shoot...by mom

2010-01-21T10:16:00.015-07:00

I already put these pictures up on Facebook, but for those friends of mine who aren't on Facebook and check my blog... here are some new pics of our Noah :) I wanted some big boy pictures so I got him dressed in the cutest little sweater that my sister Audrey got him. He was not at ALL interested in looking at the camera, but I got some really cute candid shots. I wish I had a really good camera. Maybe one of these days, Josh and I will splurge. Until then... our little digital captures our beautiful boy just fine.

Teething Biscuits

2010-01-18T20:36:00.004-07:00

These...

Turn into this...

And this...

Good thing he has such a cute face under all that gunk !!

Our Big Boy..

2010-01-15T14:23:00.005-07:00

That's right people... Mommy and Noah like the Bengals (and the Reds too...can you tell we are loyal to Ohio?)

Who needs expensive toys when your kid is happy pushing around a big box !

He is LOVING his big boy high chair... and so are we :)

Noah will sit at the fridge for so long and just take all the pictures down, play with the magnets and be completely happy. When he crawls into the kitchen, this is the first place he goes to.

Care Package

2010-01-05T15:32:00.014-07:00

I'm sending off a little care package to my friend who just had a baby girl, and along with the cute outfits and adorable little soft doll/rattle I found, I made a quick little craft project for her room. It's so girly...it was fun to make. Hope she likes it :)

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-22T21:21:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas everyone....
Love,
Josh, Deb and Noah

Not Much Longer...

2009-12-17T18:30:00.004-07:00

Noah's first Christmas Ornament! That little boy is the best present EVER !!

Give Thanks!

2009-11-21T10:12:00.002-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone !!

Telephone Chair

2009-11-08T12:32:00.006-07:00

Speaking of tables, when we were on our vacation in Washington, we stopped at an antique store where I bought a dish (Blue Ridge) which is part of my Great Grandma's china set (that my mom has now, and hopefully I'll get some day).... but as I was walking around the store I noticed a GORGEOUS telephone table. WHY I didn't take a picture of it, I'll never know. But I have been dreaming of having one since then. What a great idea... just a little gossip chair ! Love it :)

My Favorite... isn't it gorgeous :)

Table...

2009-11-07T14:59:00.003-07:00

I LOVE this table...and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that it has been in our family since I was a kid. It has been painted every color to fit whatever room it was in. It sits in my bathroom right now, but once I move some things around, it will adorn the side of my bed where I will place the cutest little off-white lamp and my precious books on it. I love having things that have been passed down from family members. I think I'll probably paint the top and drawers white when it goes in our bedroom. (Josh has his own nightstand...which is full of MY stuff :) ).

Just Wondering...

2009-11-07T10:08:00.003-07:00

Does anyone even read my blog anymore? Just wondering... Hardly anyone comments.

Circa 1972...

2009-11-03T12:14:00.010-07:00

One of the many places we stayed on our trip to Washington was this historic hotel. This place was a hoot ! The decor spanned many decades, and some of the furniture was even original from the early 1900's when it first opened. One night as I was browsing the bookshelves, I came across all these old Better Homes & Garden's. I found an issue from June of 1972...the month and year I was born. (yes, I'm old). Flipping through the pages, I found this ad for toys. It brought back so many memories from my childhood. I had many of these toys ! I wish I still had them for Noah to play with. Those were the good toys... not all these robots and technical gadgets kids today play with. Good simple fun... takes you back doesn't it? (if you're as old as I am that is).

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-10-30T12:01:00.009-06:00

I have wonderful memories of Halloween growing up in Boise. Our mom always went all out for our costumes. I hope to do the same for Noah... just not this year :) But here is a picture of him in his Halloween jammies...that sort of counts doesn't it?

In these pictures; Matt and Audrey (pumpkin and skeleton...handmade by our mom :) ). Below... Deb & Cheri a couple different years.

Good times :)

A Laney Wedding...

2009-10-25T11:54:00.016-06:00

We had a wonderful time last night at Jared and Megan's wedding reception. They got married in the Bountiful Temple. It was SO great to see some of my family from Ohio and New Jersey there. They are having a bigger reception back in Ohio, so I'm glad I could go to this one. I was so happy that some of them finally met my husband. I'm sure they were beginning to wonder if I actually had one. (Josh hasn't been home with me for a couple years). Being there last night just made me realize (even more so) how important it is to being loving and supportive to our families. Family is so very important !! And I'm very blessed to have the family that I do...

The happy new husband and wife

Mother and father of the groom looking on proudly

Mother and groom

Mommy and her handsome boy

Bob & Carey...so in love

Noah was more interested in the pretty hanging Chandeliers than Daddy
]

Erin & Reuben

Meredith

Olivia and Austin

Josh holding Noah up to try to catch the garter... Too cute.

A Much Needed Vacation...

2009-10-21T12:25:00.014-06:00

We had a great time on our trip to Washington. We all got really sick, but we still had fun. As usual, Josh had a daily schedule, but quickly found out that when you have a 7 month, that schedule pretty much goes out the window. So I was really impressed with his kind of "fly by the seat of our pants" attitude. That is NOT my husband at all. He is such a "Clark Griswald" when it comes to doing anything. But, Noah ran this ship !! And he was such a good boy the whole time. He got so used to getting in and out of the car. He loves being outside and just stares at everything and takes it all in. He is just like his dad in that way. We visited lots of little towns with cool antique shops, vineyards, apple orchards, hilariously decorated old historic hotels, wonderful timeshares, camping, freezing whilst camping, and just enjoying our first family trip together. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to see my husband and son together. Josh is so proud of his little boy. He is definitely happiest when he's with Noah ! These pictures are for my friends and family who aren't on facebook...otherwise there are tons of photos there to find.

I LOVE MY LITTLE FAMILY !!

Afternoon Conversation

2009-10-17T14:32:00.004-06:00

Last night I went to bed with a clean kitchen. This morning, I awoke to a filthy kitchen.

Not happy.

Technically, Josh is still on vacation, but he went into the office from 7-11 today to help with some stuff. He decided to get up early, grill a steak, and make steak (w/potatoes, onions and cheese)breakfast burritos for himself and his employee.

Not a problem. Just clean up your mess.

I walked into the kitchen and the first thought through my head was "What the #@!$"
But then I immediately calmed myself and thought how I could use this to my advantage.

Here is how the conversation went once Josh got home:

Deb: Hi honey
Josh: Hey sweets
Deb: I went to bed last night to a clean kitchen, But that's not what I woke up to is it ?
Josh: NO, but I left some breakfast for YOU in the fridge.
Deb: That's wonderful and thank you, but since I was nice and cleaned up your mess, you are going to watch Noah while I take a bath and read.
Josh: But I left you breakfast.
Deb: Do not bother me for an hour.
Josh: An HOUR ?
Deb: Yep.
Josh: sigh
Deb: Don't even think about opening that bathroom door. I don't want to hear a peep out of you.

An hour and a 1/2 later of uninterrupted soaking, lounging and reading time, Josh opened the bathroom door.

Josh: Mommy... Noah wants you....

I love my husband :)

People Watching...At its best

2009-10-17T09:46:00.012-06:00

I've put quite a few pictures from our Lake Chelan trip on Facebook, so go there to see... but here are some funny photos I took while we were in the very cool town of Leavenworth, Washington. ALL the buildings look as if you are walking though a small German village. Very cool ! I love watching people, and I got some funny shots this day. If there were balloons coming from these people's mouths, this is what I envision them saying:

"My life sucks"

"Guten tag, Fraulein!"

"When I'm done playing this silly song, I'm going to get myself another Wienerschnitzel with Sauerkraut"

"Man, I could be hanging with my homies, but instead I'm here wearing freakin' Lederhosen"

Three Years...

2009-09-30T11:31:00.009-06:00

Three years ago today, we said I Do ...

Best decision I ever made!

My husband has given me such a good life. Full of love, laughter, security, faithfulness, happiness, and our son. I have literally, never been happier.

You are the love of my life Josh. Thank you for everything. You are loved, treasured, appreciated and valued so much... by your wife.

Organic Baby Grub...

2009-09-29T09:37:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I made Noah some organic baby food with (mostly) produce from our garden. It was so easy and so fun and I love knowing he is getting such healthy food in his belly. The two things that aren't from the garden are the corn and green beans( our green beans did not do well this summer). But they are from Costco and they are organic. I know a lot of people don't see much of a difference but we do and as long as we can do and afford organic for Noah, that is what he will get. (Josh worked on an organic farm from the age of 12-18 and he said there is a huge difference in the produce). It will be so easy to pop these frozen little squares out to feed him. And they last much longer then if I make a big thing of it and just put it in the fridge.The corn and peas are so sweet, I would even eat a bowl of them mashed up !

So right now Noah is eating:

Corn
Peas
Green Beans
Squash
Zucchini

Plus his rice cereal and his bottle.

I have to wait until he gets used to his veggies and then I will introduce him to all the yummy fruits.

He loves everything so far. This kid is a big eater... He weighs 18lbs !!

Fun Questions...

2009-09-27T10:15:00.059-06:00

What's the meaning of your life?
My beautiful family

What are you trying to quit?
Josh makes these when he watches football...and they are SO good. But I've got to stop eating them.

What makes you laugh often?
The Office. I don't know how they get away with saying 1/2 the stuff they do. But it is so funny.

Share a new obsession...
All things vintage

What gives you Goosebumps?
Thinking about my wedding day!

Something you're working on right now?
I'm making a craft project for my Grandma Laney. It's a decorative binder for her to put all her love letters to my Grandpa in.

Show us the inside of something cute...
This little guy is the insides of my heart !

What's the last home cooking you had?
I made BBQ Chicken pizza the other night and it was GOOD !!

Who do you miss ? (Alive)
My Grandma Laney

What's your favorite word?

Whose style do you dig?
Jen Aniston is always very casual, but still classy.

Link to a great blog you've discovered lately...
I can't remember how I found this blog called "Modern Day Pioneers",(or Little Suitcase, I can't figure out which. They are both on there) but I am so happy I did. She seems like such a lovely woman...And where I got the idea for these questions.
http://moderndaypioneers.blogspot.com/

What's the last craft you made?
I made this photo album for Noah...

A photo of the last happy mail you got?
We got a care package from my Mother-in-Law. She got Noah clothes, Josh his favorite candy, and gave me this gorgeous candlestick and decorative boxes. Love them...

Something you've bought lately?
This lovely, softer than soft blanket for my cousin and his wife who just had their beautiful little Sydney...

What are you looking forward to?
Our camping trip to Washington next week...

Post a recent snapshot of yourself.

Recent Favorite Movie?
It's not too recent, but I love this movie and can watch it over and over again...

If a movie were made about you, who would play you?
When I had longer hair (which was curly) my family thought I looked like Elaine from Seinfeld...Especially when I have my glasses on.

See How I've Grown...

2009-09-21T12:14:00.012-06:00

It has been 6 1/2 months since our Noah was born. Time is passing too quickly for me. He changes and grows every day. It is so fun to watch him learn new things and develop new skills. It's amazing how much a parent loves their child. How much I love MY child. He has changed Josh and me. For the better. I can't believe that out of all the mommy's in the world, this little person came to me. How lucky I am to be Noah's mother. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Sorry for all the pictures, but I am so proud of our son.

Things I’m doing:
Rolling all over place
Scooting myself around
Laughing all the time
Blowing bubbles
Jibber Jabbering
Smiling at EVERYTHING
Giving kisses & Hugs
Making funny faces
Squealing
"coughing" to get mom and dad's attention
Covering my face with the blanket
Sitting up (w/ a little help from mommy)
Covering my eyes when I eat
Posing for LOTS of pictures that mom and dad take of me

Things I love:
Playing with Daddy on the floor
Cuddling with Mommy
Having mommy rub behind my ears to help me fall asleep
My bottle
My stuffed elephant (who we affectionately call Ellie)
My blankie
Having Mommy sing "You Are My Sunshine" to me every day
My binkie
Taking bubble baths
Being tickled
Having my back rubbed
Taking walks with mommy in my stroller
Pulling my mommy’s hair
Sucking on mommy’s chin