christmas card 2013

Starbucks cups are littering my house, which can only mean one thing...I'm designing again. Between that being a mom to a 16 month old, working for my dad, planning my sister's wedding and getting ready for Christmas hence the disappearance act.

Jennifer and I had too much fun with Abigail's Christmas Card. I have a new appreciation for stylists, running around town trying to find the right props and wardrobe is no easy task, but I loved every second of it. The pictures turned out perfect. I had such a hard time deciding which one to make our Christmas Card I had to send out two different ones. We also had a great time making it snow at the ranch. Jennifer found this stuff that you add to water and poof you have a ton of snow.

Can't chat for long I've got a deadline to make, errands to run, work to do for the LLC and of course Christmas is just a week away. Looking forward to waking up Christmas morning and Abigail coming down the stairs to see what Santa has brought her, because she has been such a good girl this year. And even in the midst of all this chaos she is still the center of my universe as well as my wonderful husband, with whom I'd be lost without.

*images courtesy of the multi-talented Jennifer Shertzer

love you

What a whirlwind the last couple of weeks have been, don't even know where to start. We went to Rosemary Beach to finalize wedding vendors, which went better than I had expected. I think I did a heck of a job, the wedding will be gorgeous if I do say so myself. Ha.

I discovered I love being at the beach more so in fall than summer. Loved the chilly nights and warm days. The ocean looked like crystal. Exquisite. And thanks to Chris at Wild Olives we got to indulge in some amazing wine. We also had some great meals at the new hotel, the Pearl - highly recommend.

Unfortunately during our trip we got the heart breaking news our family dog of almost 15 years wasn't going to be with us much longer. Tears are already starting to pour down my face. At some point I'll muster the strength to write about him. I still think I'll walk in the door and see him. He was apart of all our major milestones and everything in between. I'll never forget the day we got him. My dad and I had gone to the breeder, Comet came prancing around the corner with gold and red stars around his neck, which I've kept all these years. He became a member of our family that day. Because of him I believe in love at first sight. Forever in my heart he will be.

Chance and Mary's baby shower was yesterday. We transformed my parents house into the hundred acre woods, it was adorable. Excited that I will be an aunt in a few months and that abigail will have a cousin around her age. I'm sure those two will have many adventures together.

I'm so thankful Abigail awoke without a fever this morning, we've been battling one since Friday night and she seems to be feeling much better. Sigh of relief. We have her Christmas card shoot tomorrow and I've of course gone a bit crazy. Don't want to give away any secrets, but I've got a truck full of props and endless wardrobe options. However will I pick just one shot?

I'm also on the countdown to a weekend away with my hubby to Chicago. Can't wait!

Not a second to spare in this household.

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/

happy birthday

If you have to turn another year older you might as well celebrate it with cake and champagne. 

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/

sweater weather

Love this time of year. The temperature is falling outside and I don't even mind the rain. It put me in the baking mode, so I made a batch of muffins from Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix. At the store they suggested using their cider instead of water the recipe calls for, yum! If you're a pumpkin fanatic like me visit Trader Joe's right now - pumpkin waffles, pumpkin butter, pumpkin ravioli, spiced cider, organic canned pumpkin, pumpkin instant oatmeal, pumpkin cereal bars, pumpkin spice granola, pumpkin soup...the list goes on and on.

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/

octobers

Black Creek Farm in Decatur.

Rubber ducky races.

Abigail pumping water.

The most adorable (and creative) ride for kids.

Mini pumpkin patch.

Feeding baby goats.

An old truck filled with pumpkins and hay.

Abigail and the scarecrows. 

Having so much in the wagon.

Picking out pumpkins to bring home.

Too cute for words.

Has her pumpkins all ready to go.

I'll wait here Mom, you go get the car.

What a wonderful day we had at the pumpkin patch.

It was Abigail's first visit to a pumpkin patch and Black Creek Farm couldn't have been more perfect. My mom and I just happened to stumble upon it while driving back to their property from shopping around downtown Decatur. It was so picturesque. Lots of pumpkin patches, big and small. A hayride with the most wonderful country views. A petting zoo (that was actually clean) with baby goats and baby chicks. Vintage wagons. And the most creative playground I've seen. The actual pumpkins themselves were even amazing, far better than what you can buy in the city. I just love having these pumpkins on my front porch. It was such a lovely afternoon, I can't wait until next year - a new tradition has been created.

*images courtesy of me and my iPhone

one day

Today started just as good at it ended, it couldn't have been more perfect. I stepped onto the scale this morning to discover I had lost ten pounds (since August). Abigail awoke in good spirits, once again. And Starbucks gave me my drink for free. Then I got to spend the afternoon with my parents and brother, each shopping for their new homes. Seeing Chance play with Abigail along the way just melted my heart. Later that evening Jonathan met us for dinner and we were surprised by my parents with a trip to Chicago. The two of us are headed to see my sister and future brother-in-law in November. Nana and Gramps are keeping Abigail. So excited for all that's to come next month. 29 might not just be so bad after all. 

And I have to say I'm really blessed to have such generous parents with big hearts. And so thoughtful too. They never ask for anything in return, just to pay it forward to our children. That's how amazing they are.  

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/

And I just had to share this picture Nana took of Abigail at Whole Foods yesterday playing on the tractor. She couldn't be more beautiful. 

amazing things

I might be celebrating a little early, but I'm less than a pound away from having lost ten pounds. I'd like to thank my previous primary care physician for asking me at my last visit if I was happy with my weight (eye roll) and the my fitness pal app. Without either I wouldn't be ten pounds lighter. Ok, well not entirely true, I'll pat myself on the back, because it's also due to my hard work and dedication - counting calories and working out. 

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/

project play room

Since we moved into our house 4.5 years ago our upstairs game room has been in constant motion, the catch all for miscellaneous items and furniture. It's the one room I haven't touched, because I knew one day it would be our kid's playroom. Two hours and two hundred dollars later at IKEA I finally got the inspiration I needed, which is funny, because IKEA has never sparked my creativity. I couldn't be more thrilled though with how the playroom is turning out. Here's a sneak peak of the start to Abigail's whimsical and enchanted play land (please excuse the horrendous lighting).

Lamp, rug, and a second art/book shelf to come. Plus, more seating - a colorful, small sleeper sofa (or a big cozy chair) to go next to the bear and alligator. And as much as I love having a fan I think a fun light fixture will make its way as well.

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/ and me & my iPhone