Today we went on a family adventure, or a "venture" as Jonah and Jordan call it.

After a car wash and lunch, we headed downtown to the public library.

Recently, a brand new addition was added to the downtown library, and it is simply amazing.



However, when you walk in, you enter through the old portion of the library.



And it's just as beautiful as the new wing.



I loved the balcony, dark bookcases, and beautiful lighting.
And then you enter the new wing...



It's like Barnes and Noble on crack.



There is an entire floor dedicated to Children's Books.



Which made two little ones very happy today.



They browsed the books,



And read for a bit



Then took a trip to the Theater to check out the "Green Screen", which was a big hit. (told you this place is amazing!)



Then cozied up with daddy to read a good book.



The perfect Saturday.

Sometimes...

Sometimes, there are days, where something like this...

would make the life of a Stay at Home Momma A LOT easier.

I am a Photo Momma, are you?

Exactly a year ago I got my Canon Rebel XSi. I kind of joke with people and call it my "third child". I try to always keep it handy so I can capture those spur of the moment family memories, but quite honestly, i am STILL learning how to use all the different features.

Having just been on our MckCruise vacation, SLR cameras were the number one accessory of all of us girls (and if you don't believe me, you MUST see the pics in this post by new friend and amazing photographer Jennifer:) Many conversations were had over Lenses, Photo Shop, Light Room....i was in heaven. It was so fun to be around other women who love and appreciate photography. I believe anyone who loves to take pictures- regardless of what camera or lens or software is used- is a photographer.

So needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled to learn that my dear friend Melody Carpenter, has launched a new photography resource blog called Photo Mommas.

Melody and her husband Jeremy are professional full-time photographers in Indianapolis, IN. Todd and I contacted Carpenter Photography and Design shortly before Jordan was born to schedule a newborn session, and let's just say that after that session I was completely hooked. We have been blessed these past two years with beautiful photography and a beautiful friendship with Jeremy and Melody.

photo by Carpenter Photography and Design

Photo Mommas is a special place for moms like you and me, to come learn more about how to document life with our children better. Melody writes, "I am a mom to Gabe (5) and Claire (2) and a full-time photographer. I know and understand how quickly life passes and, even in my profession, I find that you can never have enough images of your little ones. The difficult part is knowing how to capture those moments better, how to preserve those moments to last a lifetime, and how to choose the right equipment that will allow those moments to captured. There is always a place for professional photography, but the reality is YOU are the one who captures the everyday moments with your child. Let me help you do that better…"

I am so excited to learn more about photography and how to capture (or edit;) the perfect picture. I have already enjoyed reading her posts on Birthday Parties and Squat or Stand. So, if you love your camera, love to learn, or just love to look at beautiful pictures, visit Melody at Photo Mommas.

Craving Color

Craving



the Crisp



Caribbean



Colors



that Colts- Land, USA



Can't possibly



Contrive



this Chilly time of Year.

MckCruise

We just got home about an hour ago. It was wonderful seeing Jonah and Jordan and just hugging them tightly. Jordan didn't want me to put her down and jonah was screaming and jumping up and down when he saw us at the door. We missed them so much.

Laundry needs to be done, bags need to be unpacked, groceries must be bought, and i somehow need to find my balance because i am still swaying... but instead, i am check in and sharing just a few pictures from the MckCruise. (good excuse because i am too tired for a long post) Simply said, we had an AMAZING time. I can't fully describe right now how amazing the people were on this trip. On the last day Todd and I even commented on how crazy it was that we didn't know anyone going into this trip, and we left with 30 very dear friends. I even did the ugly cry on the last night (just for you Mandy)

Goodbye MckCruise, what an amazing week we had together!

I

Elle's Studio Inspiration Gallery

Have you seen it? Elle's Studio just posted it's first Design Team Inspiration Gallery! I had so much fun browsing through my fellow DT members galleries and viewing their layouts/cards/and projects! Here are the layouts I created for this gallery...

This one just melts my heart and means so much to me right now. Just last week we started jonah in an afternoon preschool (in addition to his regular one) that specializes in speech therapy, as we have realized he needs extra assistance in a few areas of his conversation skills. I am so proud of how well he is doing and how open he is to this transition. And of course, these are the things, even though it can be hard, that I want to document and remember. The title "Proud of your Boy" comes from a song in the movie "Aladdin". We have this CD in the car and he knows every word and sings along - and the lyrics just kill me because it is all about Aladdin hoping his parents would be Proud of their boy.

Journaling: "As of lately, "Proud of your Boy" is your favorite "car" song. You sing right along with Aladdin and it just melts my heart --> rightfully so, because I am proud of MY boy. You have been such a trooper these last few months as we sought extra help with your speech. January is a BIG month for you. I am so proud of you, my sweet boy."
Products used: Elle's Studio Calendar Tags, Vintage Flash Cards, Date and Place Tags, Chic Note Tags, Scallop Journaling Circle, Cut Out Vintage Labels.

This photo was taken on New Years Eve, just a few minutes into 2010. We rang in the New Year with my cousin and her family. Shortly after the ball dropped, we went up stairs to get our kids, and found Jonah cuddled up with his second cousin, Charlotte. I am so blessed to have a close knit extended family and thankful for the opportunity for my children to be close with their SECOND cousins, which i believe is so rare these days.

I used Elle's new Valentine Items for this layout- even though this is not a Valentine themed layout, the products are perfect color combo for this sweet, dreamy photo.

Journaling: "I just love how close you are with your second cousins! We are so blessed to be close with second cousins on both sides of the family! 12/31/09

Elles Studio Products: Vintage Flash cards, Photograph Note Tages, XOXO Journaling Strips, Scalloped Journaling Tags.

This one was a fun one! I used Elle's Valentine Line to punch a variety of small squares to make a Valentine Mosaic.

Products Used: XOXO Bazzill Paper, XOXO Tiny Valentines ("B Side"), XOXO Sweet Word Circle, XOXO Papers, The County Fair Journaling Tag, Elles Studio Packaging.

I hope you enjoyed! Be sure to check out all the other Design Team Creations in the Inspiration Gallery at Elle's Studio!

And....WE'RE OFF!

Since last spring, Todd and I have been planning for this fabulous cruise to take in mid-january. It's been something we have been looking forward to for many many months, especially since we have had such busy schedules with Todd's work and at home since the fall... the cruise marked the end point of the craziness, and guess what? It's finally here!

Right now, we are visiting our dear friends Wade, Julie, and Molly in Austin, Texas. We have had a fabulous weekend with them eating at some fun restaurants, going to an olive plantation and sampling amazing Olive Oils, and watching the Colts WIN! But, in a few minutes we are going to get in the car and head to Galveston to depart on the big boat with some new friends I can't wait to meet. It is sure to be a fabulous time.

The kids are at home being spoiled and well cared for by my mom and dad, I miss them so, however Todd and I are so ready for some alone time together, sun, good food, and an umbrella or two in our drinks ;)

So, We're OFF! I plan (hope) to update the blog with pics and stories while I am away and also i have a few scrappy posts planned so be sure to check back :)

Goodbye snow, Goodbye dishes, Goodbye diapers, Goodbye sippy cups, Goodbye schedules, Goodbye cold!!! See ya soon!

Elle's Studio Valentine Items and a SNEAK!!!

Have you seen it? Love is officially in the air at Elle's Studio... the new items have arrived! Visit Elle's Studio to check out their full Valentine's line, journaling tags, mini papers, cut outs, mini Valentine's, and more!

I am IN LOVE with this new Valentine's Line. There are so many designs to choose from to make beautiful tags, layouts and cards.

I am very excited for all the fun things in store over at Elle's Studio in 2010! Don't forget to enter the monthly blog challenge for your chance to win a $30 gift certificate to the store. Also, each month Elle is featuring one member of the Design Team; so be sure to check out Paige's interview. She is just adorable and has such a fun blog.

Finally, be sure to check back to the Elle's Studio Inspiration Gallery on the 20th of each month to see what the Design Team has created. Here's a little SNEAK of what I have been working on :)

Happy Wednesday!

Birthday Extravaganza weekend

This weekend was QUITE the weekend for birthdays if I do say so myself. We are still recovering from the sugar overload (which was QUITE worth it)! Good times had by all.

Friday was my birthday. Todd and I were able to go out with our friends Jake and Katie for a kid-less evening. It was so nice! We went to a new sushi restaurant down the street called Wild Ginger. To our surprise the owner at Wild Ginger used to be the owner at one of our other favorite sushi restaurants in Indy, so we knew it would be fabulous.

After dinner we headed next door to the Chateau Thomas Winery tasting room. There was live jazz music and tastings- so much fun and so nice to get out!

Saturday we went to little Claire's second birthday party. Jonah and Jordan are very good friends with Claire and her brother Gabe (and i am good friends with their mama Mel). They had so much fun coloring and decorating cupcakes at Claire's party- jonah especially loved that he got to wear his new chef's outfit to decorate in!

Are these pics adorable or what?

And of course Sunday was finally Jonah's party. We had it at Monkey Joe's and OH what a party it was! Mass chaos, loud music, a big purple monkey that made children cry, a hilarious bathroom incident*.... it was one heck of an afternooon......

But this boy was in HEAVEN and that is all that matters.

And so were all the big boys!! :)

My friend Jennifer made this cake for Jonah. Simply amazing. Not only is it decorated amazing it taste incredible- the bottom was chocolate and had THREE layers of cookies n' creme filling. Top was white with three layers of raspberry filling. WOW. (She also made Jordan's first birthday cake.)

This picture just melts me. The look on his face is too sweet for words.

Mommy and Jonah

This picture pretty much sums up the day. (and kinda how i feel with all this cake in the house ;)

*And a huge thank you to Mel who helped Jonah in his time of need at Monkey Joe's. Jonah, after walking out of the men's bathroom with his pants around his ankles yelling for help, found Mel to help him in the bathroom (sheesh, where were his parents and why don't they help!?). She saved him at the last second from SITTING on a urinal, and getting him in a stall... only to find out there was an adult male in the stall next door. horrified she tried to help Jonah as fast as she could. It does, get worse my friends- the dude starts TALKING to Mel from behind the stall. there. are. no. words.

31. and a new year.

On Friday I turn 31. As a little girl, I remember when my parents were in their thirties and that seemed SOoOooo OLD. And now that's me... life flies by so quickly and i am reminded of that every Christmas and Birthday (which all seem to be falling in the same week over here- heh.)

BUT one of the great things about have a post-Christmas/New Year birthday is that "New Years Resolutions" also coincide with my age, therefore I can make a list of my hopes and dreams for that calendar/birthday year.

So this year I decided to create a fun little New Year/Birthday layout showing some of my hopes, resolutions, reminders, things i am looking forward to... a little bit of this and that in 2o10 as a (ahem...) 31 year old.

Products used: Studio Calico Homefront papers and flashcards. October Afternoon Flashcards, Elles Studio circle tag and vintage cut out tags, Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend: alphas (wood), pencil and scantron paper, Sassafrass flower die cut, Jenni Bowlin circle alphas, Studio Calico Sewing Machine stamp, Heidi Swapp clock stamp, American Crafts alphas, red floss.

Of course, I had to incorporate my one little word "balance" at the top. The clock signifies that alot of my balance needs to be in my time management skills (among other things:)... really, where i choose to spend my time.

Todd and I are going on a few amazing vacations this year... it's crazy because it's been 3 years since our last big trip to New Zealand. VERY SOON we will be Cruising with some amazing new friends I can't wait to meet and someone you may have heard of before?!?!? kind of exciting.

And AH yes, Game Night. Something Todd and I love but don't do enough of but love dearly... pulling out the board games... Settlers of Catan, Rummicub, Balderdash, NERTS... the list goes on. We love game nights!

Serving. I really need/want/desire to do this in 2010. Being a stay at home mom it's easy to just have tunnel vision on my husband, children and extended family... which IS where i need to have a lot of my focus on, but there is so much more to be done. I need to lift our eyes off MYself, MY schedule, MY needs, and focus on someone else who needs to experience the love of God. Our church, Heartland, recently talked about being someone elses miracle today. I love this... even when we are in the middle of experiencing our own needs, we always have the opportunity to be someones elses miracle today.

A few more hopes & goals...

1) learn how to sew... not clothes or anything... just maybe a button or two and stitching on paper! I love layouts with stitching on it and for the life of me i am so afraid of my sewing machine. my mom is a whiz at the singer so I need to schedule a date where she teaches me. the threading the needle part scares me the most. and what the heck is a bobbin? (although i am so proud of my self for hand stitching around my layout. even though it looks like a 3rd grader did it, i feel like i have sortof accomplished the first step of this goal!!)
2) TRUST in the Lord with all my heart! Prov 3:5... and how perfectly does the Cosmo Cricket Scantron paper "this is only a test" go with this??? ... a reminder that trials are just that... opportunities to practice faith...and to trust the Lord! (which is sometimes hard for this worry wart)
3) photography... oh how I want to learn more and practice more.
4) and.. being a Prov 31 wife and mother. nuff said.

I hope you enjoyed. I have really enjoyed reading everyone elses New Years hopes and dreams. Here's to an amazing 2010!

Happy Birthday Jonah

Today is my Jonah-bear's 4th birthday.

Last night the little birthday elves were up late wrapping presents

And we woke up to the sound of ripping paper and ran out to watch him open his gifts. Some new paints, books, and playmobile made this one happy birthday boy.

As each birthday rolls around I ALWAYS say how i can't believe he is this old. But four sounds really old to me. It seems like it has been just a blink of an eye since his birth day and yet, it's hard to imagine my life before he was part of it.

Jonah is our little comedian- such a funny boy. Loves his books and movies... he loves to act everything out on every movie. Just today he tried to lick my face as he was pretending to be Pongo on 101 Dalmations!!! (ew!) He has a sensitive heart and wants to learn.

He loves his sister Jordan and is very protective of her

He loves riding on Papa's golf cart in the summers and is a little boy who loves being with his family.

He has expressed interest in praying and reading stories about Jesus- i love that. (he calls his Bible the Baby Jesus Book).

He is my sweetheart and i love him to pieces. He gave us a run for our money the day he was born. Unexpected complications arose after a long induced labor (at 41 weeks might I add) that sent him to the NICU... where a day later he had stress at birth seizures.

Everything was such a whirlwind. We didn't know for sure at the time that it was "just" seizures due to a stressful birth (basically meaning there is no short term or long term damage, it was just him reacting to a stressful birth). We were given a wide range of what it could be.. and we just had to wait for tests to determine what was going on. This picture just sends me back to those scary days of waiting and trusting in the Lord and the plan He had for Jonah's life. I am so thrilled that He restored his health in full. I will never forget what we went through with him. I learned that 1) Nothing is ever "as bad" as it seems 2) God can change any situation for His glory.

Happy Birthday sweet Jonah. I want you to know God has an amazing, special, and unique plan for your life and that you are loved deeply by your Creator (and by your mommy and daddy too).

Jonah 2: 8,9

⁸ "Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

⁹ But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."