being happy

I'm not going to dwell on what happened last month, but instead be hopeful for what could be. I love the spring time and I'm excited for our upcoming travel adventures. Over Spring Break we're taking Abigail to Washington DC and the following week going away with my hubby to Las Vegas. Can't wait.

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

Winter

Ok, yes, so its been awhile. I've spent the last six months traveling, raising a toddler, going away with my husband, being a room parent (Abigail started preschool in the fall), volunteering, baking for our church's different ministries, styling photo-shoots, designing, working for my dad, moving my parents from the home we grow up in (I'm so happy to have them close by, it's the best) and so much more in between.

I've seen so much beauty in this amazing world we live in. I need to share my travels, because I think the harder it is to get to a place the more beautiful it is. We visited Chicago (several times), Bay Harbor, Seattle, Vancouver Island, Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler, Napa (yes, my amazing husband pulled the surprise of a lifetime off for our anniversary and whisked me away to my dream destination - it was everything I had hoped for and more), Disney World and ended the year with Charleston. I wish I could afford to travel all the time. I opened my Wisteria catalog to flip through last night and I read the introduction spread - he found the words I couldn't to describe how I feel about exploring this wonderful world we live in. We have a few trips already planned for the year: Washington DC, Rosemary Beach (of course) and Chicago/Bay Harbor (we had so much fun last year we had to do it again). I want so badly to go to Europe, but promised my husband we would save more in 2015 and finish the projects we want done around our house. One day I'll get there.

There's one another little project we've been working on this last year. Trying to have no. 2. It's not easy to talk about. At first, it was just if it happens, it happens. Months go by. Nothing (remember I got pregnant both times we tried and even though the first time was classified as a chemical pregnancy I still got pregnant). I mention it to my OB and she says lets just make sure your thyroid isn't out whack. Nope, it's fine. Keep trying. Few more months go by. Nothing. Have a couple more tests done. Everything's normal. Ok, lets check Jonathan. He's a champion. Keep Trying. Nothing. Ok, lets check your fibroid and make sure it hasn't caused anything. Again, everything is normal. The if it happens, it happens motto is lost. It's not just wanting another baby to hold and love, it't wanting to give my daughter what I have - a brother and sister who I can count on no matter the circumstance, they're more than a best friend, you have this bond that no other person can have, because you've known each other your whole life. Had more tests done after the holiday. Finally, something that might explain it. I'm not ovulating every month and I don't have enough progesterone. There's still hope. Just one more test to make sure it's safe for me to take a medicine that will make me ovulate. Done. Started taking the medicine and have encountered a few side effects, so now I have to go in Thursday to make sure it's not a sign that multiple eggs have formed. Ugh. I just want to pull my hair out. It was so easy the first time. I'm so conflicted. I have so many what if's in my head. As I was just typing my Pandora played Nat King Cole's Smile. Just what I need to hear - perfect timing. Prayers and support is all I need.

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/baby-its-cold-outside/

My dad

Happy Father's Day to my dad, the first man I ever loved. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. I've lived a very privileged life. Because of his hard work and ambition I grew up in a beautiful home, wore the latest fashions, never went hungry, traveled to exquisite places, graduated from college with a degree debt free and had the wedding of my dreams. In the midst of all this though he constantly taught me life lessons that I attribute to the incredible life I've been able to build for myself after leaving the nest. He is the reason I know that you can be or do anything you want if you have the determination and dedication. His support is endless and I am forever grateful for him. The only thing better than having him for a father is that Abigail gets to have him for a grandfather. Love you Dad.

Of course I can't not mention that he always has me laughing and isn't that the best medicine of all?!

*images courtesy of family, friends and myself

lets get silly

I'm ready for spring. 

*images courtesy of pinterest

new door

I'm so excited for all the opportunities that lie ahead in 2014. Most recently we joined a new church, Suncreek United Methodist Church. If I was honest, we originally joined the church to ensure Abigail a spot in their extremely sought after private school (I had no clue preschool was just as or even more difficult to get into than college). However, this past month has proven to be the most wonderful. My family is excited to go to church every Sunday and we've gained such a since of community there. Today, I joined the church's ministry committee and also became apart of a ministry that bakes baked goods for an elementary school where 80-90% of the children there live at or below poverty. There are so many great spring projects and I'm just thrilled to be involved with all the amazing work the ministries are doing.

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

success is not easy

Replace success with motherhood and the quote still remains true. Not sure I believe in the terrible two's, I think eighteen months is proving to be the most challenging, however its also been the most fun. I've never wanted to pull my hair out more, but again I've never laughed or smiled so much. What a gift from God children are. I was quite certain I wanted another year before trying for number two, but that moment you realize your baby is a toddler has you wanting to do it all over again.

Although my husband would be the thrilled for number two if it happened yesterday I want to hold off until after our Canadian adventure in July. (I reserve the right to change my mind at any time though). Jonathan, Abigail, Nana, Gramps and I are headed to British Columbia to explore Vancouver and Victoria. I may turn 30 and have yet to cross the pond, but my mom said something brilliant to me the other day that I wish I could remember. Plus, we're staying at the most amazing places and I'll get a stamp in my passport.

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

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