six

six

yes it's time to come to the realization yet again that both of the girls turn a year older every March and April
and now my older daughter, Madison, is turning six

I love to celebrate their birthdays
but they all seem to always come too quickly year after year

each year I have moments where I just want time to stand still,
 grab their little hands
and hold onto those precious things

just exactly the way they are in that moment

so tiny

so innocent

and so sweet

but reality is...birthdays come whether we are ready for our children to grow up or not

Madison is

six

today

and just like Hayley a month ago...

Madison is beyond excited

she is usually sooo hard to get out of bed in the morning but she popped right up this morning

excited to see her balloons above her bed

and her new lion friend hanging from her chandi

she was grinning ear to ear this morning

as she woke up to her hooting owl alarm the Easter Bunny got her a few days ago

as a matter of fact the first thing she said to me yesterday after I picked her up from school was

I told Miss M--- that "I got an owl alarm and it hoots to wake me up"

I felt as though she was saying it with the Junie B attitude
{we are reading that series together}
and the Junie B attitude makes all the difference when reading that statment
trust me

it was so cute!

As we were talking about her birthday yesterday

 I said

"today is your very last day to be five...can you believe it?"

she said

"I know mom!!!"

Ummm...Hayley seemed more shocked about that statement
{when I told her about her very last day to be three}

I guess I need to get with the six-year-old times now
it's not quite as cool to keep reminding her of such things

 I don't seem to say such surprising things to Madison any longer

she is getting too old and smart like that

so I continued and said

"So what do you think six means?"

Madison said "well, I'm another year older and then comes even better things"

ooooooo...I think I need to be taking her advice when it comes to birthdays

I love this little girl so much

Over the past year I really took it to heart how hard she always was
{and still is}
on herself

it's a hard road to continue on

and I didn't want her being stuck on it
feeling like she has to be perfect

so I made it a mission to help her come out of her shell more

to relax

to enjoy

to know it is perfectly fine to not get things right all the time

and have to work at them

I seem to use myself as an example of not getting things right all the time
it definitely makes her laugh
and to me that's worth her knowing that grace is for everyone's mistakes
or other times when things have to be practiced and tried again

over the past year she has started taekwondo

which has been the best thing for her and her confidence

I'm so proud of how far she has come

from the beginning of class not wanting to get up in front of others

to now she loves to do so
{most of the time}

she still has her moments of struggle but she has come a long way

I truly think it is amazing

Madison is my mama bear

focused and on point all the time
all.the.time

I seem to joke with her a lot

I love her silly side because when she shows it...

 you can really see her unique and wonderful personality

 

 it is the most beautiful thing because her face shines and sparkles

 her confidence and belief in herself grows every.single.day

a couple of months ago her class was on Channel 5 doing 5 is #1

and when I picked her up from school I asked her because I knew it would make her laugh

"Did you get wild and crazy on camera and do your Taylor Swift dancing and singing?"

She replied "Mom!!!...now you know we weren't supposed to do that...
we talked about this...

My teacher Miss M said we were not supposed to be wild and crazy on camera"

I said "darn...now I won't get to see your Taylor dance moves"

she laughed and said "I'm silly with you guys!"
and yes she is

Kindergarten has done more than wonderful things for Madison

she has had the very best teacher

and the perfect fit to Madison's personality ~ I couldn't be more thankful 
for Miss M---

 Madison makes friends so easily 

 she is so caring and sweet

you know... a likeable girl

{that statement reminds me of Hope Floats...but it's true}
here is part of a note Madison's friend wrote her...I just love it

Madison loves reading, school work, and projects

she loves to always have a pad with her to draw and write in

she loves to joke around

except when the jokes on her...
she wasn't too fond of Hayley and I's spider in her car seat joke we played on her a couple months ago
but she loves to stand around the corner, jump out, and scare the daylights out of me

where I'm literally screaming because she did such a great job

she is the very best helper
and loves her sister more than words could ever describe

she couldn't be a better big sister or friend

Madison's special gift is the way she makes others feel

she always cares how someone is and loves to do nice things for others

she definitely is a beach and summer lover

but occasionally and randomly talks about snow
in the middle of summer

odd, perhaps
...but cute because she can be so random with thoughts

she loves Taylor Swift like her sister loves Eric Church,

 loves to dance and put on fashion shows for me in my high heels

 and loves to take pictures with her camera she got for Christmas

she loves, loves to be outside,
ride her bike,
 and run with me

I say all the time that another 5-6 years she will be kicking my hiney on runs

I can't wait for that as it will make me a proud mama

Madison is insightful at times but so very literal at other times

the other day I had to run an errand for work after the girl's class

we were driving on the back roads and came to a stop light

there were absolutely no cars around

and she asked

"Mom why is the light red when we are the only ones here?"

I said "kind of silly isn't it"

so of course I just keep talking with them about this and that
and sooner or later

both of them say at once...

"Mom...mom!!!...you can go...the light is green"

I said "oh ~ thank you!!
What would I do without you both?"

Madison said "Well...you'd still be sitting at the light Mom!!!"

oh for the love of her...I couldn't stop laughing

Today I most definitely cannot wait to celebrate her and how caring and sweet she is

she makes everyone feel special everyday

today will be wonderful to celebrate her

she is so excited about her beach cake

to have quesadillas tonight with family

and she said....."as soon as I wake up tomorrow...I am six

and cannot wait for all the fun"

she is definitely a chocolate lover over vanilla
like her daddy

loves cheese, yogurt, broccoli, strawberries, and cheeseburgers

 she loves to wear my sunglasses and come up with her own poses

as I was taking pictures the other day
"Miss Director" said
"I get to do my own poses right Mom???"

I laughed and said "why of course"

so here are her favorite poses she did

Happy sixth birthday my beautiful butterfly

I love you

I'm proud of you

and I will always, always believe in you

Happy Birthday

Madison Ella

{love} and {embrace}

i've been thinking...

and asking myself...

thinking some more...

and then asking myself again...

then putting it aside
frustrated

and then I finally realized to quit asking myself
and just stinkin' talk to you know who about it...
Him
{duh}

because I always learn that the third or fourth time after I've asked myself
realizing that I have gotten nowhere asking myself
{a little late to the start sometimes I am}

so what came about it?

guess I should tell you about what first, right?
I don't do resolutions

okay so I did one time {2009}...because it was really needed
an "about time" kind of one
and that was about dresses

want to know more about that?...
then you may read "this is me" back in February of 2010
but other than that
I don't do resolutions
it's too much
and frankly prefer to have some inspiration words to always refer to instead
you know those constant reminders
in the back of your head

that's what works for me

so the conclusion this year

 two words

and they are:

"loving and embracing"

I'll be honest here...

the embracing one freaks me out a little bit

okay, actually a lot

but I'm taking it in the positive 100%

I looked "embrace" up for a little peace at heart and understanding

 embrace goes quite well with loving in its obvious definition of embracing {hugging} someone

but it also includes

"accepting opportunities and challenges eagerly and willingly"

 that made me smile

a big ole' smile

because I am going to embrace my opportunities and challenges

with a renewed spirit and with love

and know that those I didn't achieve last year

are absolutely achievable this year

and isn't this funny...

as I glanced up from writing right now 

I saw on my dream board

my all-time favorite quote

I mean favorite, favorite

 favorite quotes...

You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love. --- H. Drummond

so as I've found what my inspiration words were this year

I remembered the ones last year

they were

{faith}

{hope}

{belief}

the funny thing is...

I could use those same words again this year

I really could
you don't always need to re-invent the wheel, right?

but instead of tossing those three aside

I will use them again
but add to...kind of thing
 a little modification to that wheel

 my focus with it all is

loving

embracing

when I wrote

"the road underneath me"

last year

I had many hopes and dreams for my family

and for myself

although some hopes, goals, and dreams I didn't achieve

I know I still will
for my journey is not the same journey as anyone else

I am not one that gives up easily
if you didn't know that already
but I'm sure most of you do by now
{chuckle}

either because I'm determined or stubborn
most likely both
okay...definitely both

but stubborn can be good too, right?
that's at least what I tell myself
at least I openly admit it
{laughing again now}

I never knew my 2010 inspiration words
{hope, faith, believe}
would be so meaningful for myself and our family's life last year

as I wrote in "sweet serendipity"

a week or so ago

we had a really great year with a lot of great memories in 2010
and that is what I choose to remember
hands down

but in reality 2010 was quite difficult for us too

I didn't realize when I wrote down those three words on January 2nd of last year
that strength would carry me through some really tough times

my words were very relevant last year

so that horse with the head down I referred to last year 
in "the road underneath me"

was how I felt sometimes throughout the year

but

what I didn't realize then but I do now
is that same horse eventually
raised it's head high
with grace and confidence

and looked up to see all the love
and all the wonderful things to embrace before her eyes

and that's what I am going to continue to do this year
because that is not only what I did at the finish of 2010
but also many times throughout the year

we had so much fun with family and friends...

we saw our two little babies blossom and make us laugh some more
a friend got married
we did some quite embarrassing things
but fun things
we laughed a lot
we sure did

we traveled
for my business conference
we went on a free trip with my husband's work
we strengthened friendships throughout the year
and had some lake trips with family and friends

we spent a lot of quality time not just quantity of time with everyone

I got my noise pierced
thank.you.very.much

I am still wearing more dresses
I took even more pictures of the girls for fun
not great at it
but I did it

we swam a lot during the summer
we did a couple more date nights than usual
thanks to my parents for watching the girls
although I'm sure they had fun too

my sister came to visit with my nephews during the summer
and we practically lived at my parents house that week

we came out loving, having a lot of fun, and standing tall
{I know I've forgotten a lot of great things so please don't be offended if I didn't mention something}

"the road underneath me is a constant
but the journey I take is up to me"
{words I wrote last year}

and this year
I'm going to do what I do best

love

and

embrace

love myself
love on my family
and love on those near and dear to me

family and friends
 those in my business
and everyone in between

I'm going to embrace
every.single.situation
whether it is the time of my life
or
a circumstance that just plain stinks
and even though the "plain stink" ones take a little more effort/time to embrace,
I will and eventually carry on
{not saying immediately because I do have a learning curve of honesty here}

the finish line in 2011
is another journey
that my family and I are taking together
five strong
{yes counting Miss Cadence...absolutely not pregnant...nope}
 we do include our pups as family members
even when she gets her "tude" in the "attitude" and decides to tinkle in the house
{ugh}
to make some sort of point
that she never seems to make

okay that's a little tmi and off-base
Happy New Year to you and your families
xo

yes and no pictures this time around
I've had a sick little girl today

a few thoughts today...

"my eye is on the finish line

my determination and persistance constantly remind me that I will never put limits on my dreams

I know someday they will unfold into reality...

as I believe dreams...
 you have to be willing to work for them

and well...

wishes...

well those are just ideas without the work..."

thoughts by: moi {me}

I've been thinking a lot about my dreams lately...our families' dreams...

and some are just not there yet

but one thing I know is that I never stop until they unfold like God has planned

for his timing is never my timing...

{obviously with a chuckle}

I've learned that a time or two...

but what I do know is that I and we will get there...

not only in my business...
but little things in life

but also where our family resides...

you see we have dreams...not wishes {well we have those too but we aren't really working for them necessarily}...we have dreams that we just have to work extra hard for

so when people say

"well sometimes your dreams don't come true or well you can't have everything..."

Do you know my response inside...

a big smile

and a huge laugh and chuckle...and a few more of them too

although due to my own account and off days, weeks sometimes

I've taken some steps backwards towards our dreams

right after leaps and bounds of progress occurs

you know that comfortable spot...right?

I feel that you have to experience that to keep fighting for them

but you pick yourself up

dust off

and keep going

side note...ps...whatever you would like to call it...

for some reason these words came to me, but I was so thankful when they did for many reasons

I quickly wrote them down and posted them on my dream board

{you know those thoughts you forget unless you write them down or you will not remember them}...

But I do know

that our dreams are going to happen

and sometimes writing those thoughts down do just the trick

Happy Weekend everyone

xo

fly...

{photo taken on our vacation}

{photo taken on our vacation}

to a world of warmth...

togetherness...

growth...

love...

friendship...

{photo taken on our vacation}

family...

hope and peace...

celebrations...


celebrations for even the smallest of things...

seashells and sand...

starfish and sunrises...

and...

so fly away with me to whatever place makes you happy...

Lovely day to you everyone...



sidenote...I didn't notice until I just posted the picture...but Hayley spreads her fingers on her left hand open wide when she is excited too...just like her mama...that just gave me a BIG ole' smile just as Madison has...

An Inspiring Weekend...

Well...it's time everyone...I've been waiting all week to tell you about my inspiring weekend...to show pictures {although I must say I just got caught up with everything at Kasey's event that I don't have any pictures during the event...but I'll link some blogs that have some...taken by fabulous and beautiful Kim herself}

...And I've been excited to announce the winners...not so fast yet...because I'm back to my inspiring weekend...

When I sit down and think about my trip, my drive, the wonderful women I met, Kasey's inspiring evening {which I re-named a couple posts back to Inspiring weekend...because it truly was an inspiring weekend} I almost feel at a loss of words...it was that spectacular...

I spent most of my time with 3 beautiful women I just adore {Kasey, Kim and Jill}...2 I just met over the weekend {Kim and Jill} since I had already met Kasey before when I traveled to her sale...I had so much fun with them...getting to know them...hearing their passions...and just talking about life...what we love...why we love it...Jill you just have a sweet heart and so welcoming with your words...so inspiring and wonderful {Miss Kasey and Kim...I didn't forget you...but since I've written below since you hosted my dear and Kim you spoke}

I cannot even tell you how wonderful they were and how thankful I was able to spend quite a bit of time with them...amazing women with a love for vintage...every single person I met had such a welcoming heart...it floored me...I really shouldn't be shocked by that but I was and I still really am...I took away so much from every single person I talked to...and when I think about the weekend...I drove home a very inspired girl!

I'm inspired to do more with my vintage love...I'm inspired to continue my work towards my dream with my business...I'm inspired to continue to make relationships with these women I now treasure...and I'm inspired to share with you that I have friendships developing that make me feel good...that make me smile...laugh...and appreciate me for me.

To be honest...I am still working on showing more of myself outwardly to people...I love to listen to others and find what makes people tick but when it comes to me...I still close off sometimes...because in reality...it is who I am to be on the quieter side sometimes...but I'm also really not either...I tell you all very often...I am a continual work in progress to share me...fully me...and I just know it will happen...and I have many many wonderful women over this past weekend who helped me do that even more...I promise I will get there...but for now...I appreciate every moment I shared with each inspiring woman...

When I think about women inspiring women...my heart goes pitter patter with joy...it makes me smile...laugh...and appreciate friendships so much. When Kasey mentioned in a post that she had the idea pop in her head {I don't remember or recall when} that she wanted to host such an event...an inspiring one...mind you...that is truly what she meant...and she did!

I enjoyed a fabulous dinner the night before...went for a run Saturday...and met the girls at Christina's shop ~ Sage Creek ~ whom I also met the night before...a wonderful, wonderful woman and shop mind you...and then off to lunch with my friend Melanie in Geneva where we also walked around some local shops...

This was a weekend where I became recharged...refreshed...inspired...thankful...and grateful to so many people. Personally I have layers of stuff to shed...but these women made it okay for me now...I hadn't been away from my kiddos and hubby at the same time well since before kiddos...so I knew this would be a trip for me to do...something that would be great just for me...I loved that! I love girl time!

I know...I know...I haven't even gotten to the evening yet...but all of these pictures are from Kasey's beautiful home...now realize please I am not a photographer...so if you would like to see some great photos please visit this link to Kasey's inspired post and to Kim from Mimi Charmante...she's the wonderful photographer that talked to us...about basics girls...because basics is what most of us needed...and now I'm sorry to say...I would like a new camera...I miss my old camera the way it takes photos...but it just isn't digital...I love the one I have...but now I want to do more...learn more...and take better photos with a great camera...Kim inspired me personally in so many ways....but she also inspired me to really look behind the lens and how to do those fantastic pictures...she is amazing to say the least...and her photos are just that great!...so I'm saving my pennies girls!

Kasey pampered us with appetizers...wine...gift boxes...stacked up high below...and so many gifts donated from so many sponsors we all walked away with a treasure chest...we drew numbers for a gift...received a beautifully wrapped gift box...

but more importantly to me anyway than the gifts was just her precious hosting {Kasey} ~ she has a true love for people...and kindness that is inspiring...I just enjoyed my time with her...she inspired me to open up more...to blog about everything my heart desires~no holding back...and to keep doing my style little by little...I have a love for vintage...for me...it's a vintage with some beachy accents...whites...creams...but I also have to have some color too...and I love how we all can personalize our vintage style to reflect who we are...our homes are a reflection of who we are...so why not stock it with things you really only truly LOVE...I've always had a love for this style...but you know I waited...waited...and waited to do anything about it...and finally about a year and a half ago...I said no more...I'm just going to do it...add piece by piece as I go along...and I'm doing just that now...

{I couldn't resist taking a shot of this #13 since it is my FAV}

I'm inspired by lovely Christina from Sage Creek who has her own shop...she's got to be one of the sweetest persons and a love for vintage since she was a little girl...I loved hearing about when she knew her style...from a very young age ~ she was born to do what she does!!!...Me I'm still learning. As a young girl...I would wear dresses and my mom would buy me the cutest shoes to go with them...but I refused of course being the stubborn girl that I am and had to wear cowboy boots with every outfit...I think my mom was mortified in the beginning just because she would always plan our outfits as moms do of young girls...and NOPE I just wouldn't do it...but she finally accepted it and laughs at it now...now I don't think cowboy boots are necessarily my style...but I realized when Christina was talking that I made a style choice even at that age...I wanted to be me...and only me...I'm honestly still finding my style {I know what I love...it's not that with clothes...it's finding what I love} because I have spent so much time growing up hiding my girlie side. It was always there...but I never reflected it...never...but when I did this dress post awhile back...I realized I am going to embrace my girlie side because it is one of my favorite sides to be honest...life is about more than how we look so that is not what she was saying. But how we dress is an expression...a very important expression of us! ...you should present yourself with what reflects you as a person...and no one else...that people are watching and can learn about you in just how you present yourself...that you can be comfortable and stylish {like my shoes on the drive down}...and times where frankly it may be out of your comfort zone but go for it if it's you! Find what makes you...you and wear it with confidence.

So me...this girl who now wears more dresses...who has always loved to have a few ruffles here and there...who loves her black, grey...browns...and pops of colors too...her boots and flats...isn't changing who I am but will start reflecting my heart, soul, and me more...so don't think I'm changing me...I'm just going to show you more of me!

{and shells I love...}

Now you all know...maybe I'm becoming known for super long-winded posts...but sharing my thoughts in written form has always come easy. I know I'm not the best writer...but just stay with me a bit longer...I'm almost done...it is just those 20 page essays I had to whip out in college almost every week to blame that I write so much...

The evening wasn't over before each and everyone of us got to sit down with eliwill and her twin sister ~ Brooke to make and design our own key necklaces...now that was so fun and interesting but I do have to admit that I had A LOT of help...but that was okay because it was the process I enjoyed so much.

Sunday morning came to say goodbyes and to be thankful my entire drive home...it was a peaceful drive where in the box we were gifted with a lovely CD from Kasey...and I got asked from hubby how many times I listened to it...well my response was since I forgot my CD's maybe 3 times with some interruption for Christmas songs too and a couple of 80's songs...yes you heard me...I have a thing for 80's music...remember I said music...not 80's fashion...

so thank you Kasey and every woman that was a part of this inspiring weekend. I met so many lovely women that I was inspired by all!

Now are you all ready to jump for joy for the winners...because I am...now I didn't do the automated generator...just didn't...I did the old fashioned way...because I think it is funner {I know not a word}...and trust us...we were honest with it...

and the winners...


for Kasey's package she will put together for you...





Shannon from the Carbajals Family ~ you can visit Kasey with your contact information when you visit her blog and e-mail her from there...




For a $30 certificate to Tara's Vintage Kitchen....




Christina from Sage Creek....please contact Tara through her shop and by clicking on the link above...




For a $30 certificate for Tracey's shop at French Larkspur...



Chris...we've got your e-mail so I'll e-mail that to Tracey and expect a wonderful e-mail back from her on how to redeem your certificate...




Thank you everyone for entering...and yep...she has dreams of one in the spring...and I have hopes of going again as long as you can repeat attendance you know...oh wow...it was wonderful...and if you ever need music during the day...hop on over to Kasey's blog and turn the volume up!

Blessings to you!

You make me smile...

Well...this beautiful barn does make me smile...but today's post isn't about the barn...although it could be because it really makes me smile...

but what makes me smile even more is my handsome hubby...aka Bobby...{not Bob as he now tries to introduce himself now-a-days...HA!...those that have known us a long time or family agree that completely doesn't fly...he can always try i guess:)}...

but before you say "eeewww" it's a mushy gushy post today...it's his birthday today...

 Happy Birthday my love!

Over the weekend we had some fun...did a little trespassing {oops...should I be saying that?...well we'll just say we stopped by some land and a house with a barn that was for sale...and checking it out...that's our story}

...I made my husband blush a little

not in the way you are thinking...and if you are...where are your thoughts at? :) {laughing}... blushing as in he was embarrassed to be by himself here...

But really...he's so funny to me...you know those moments where something happens around the house...and you are thinking...who in the world did that...you go through the process of elimination...thinking...

I know it wasn't me...even though I probably do my fair share of those things...but this time it's not me...

Definitely not Madison...

Couldn't have been Hayley...

wasn't the pup, Cadence...

Or the water frogs...Ribbit and Ribbit...

So who does that leave?....hmmm....probably handsome hubby, right?

Well then you ask...and it's "what are you talking about? I didn't do it..."

Sometimes I think to that...it must be "ribbit" and "ribbit", right? And then I realize that must be where our Hayley gets that stuff from {Bobby would say BOTH of us...I hesistantly say he's right (sighing)}...

how did I get onto this...

well I had to stop to read Miss Hayley a book at the moment {so don't think that is the first thing that pops in my mind about hubby because it isn't}...

So we got to a page she just so happened to color on {another day}...and hmmm...she looks at it...looks at me...her face was saying...who me? not me....First time I've seen it mommy...I promise!

She verbalizes "Uh Oh...color"...like she has no idea how in the world it happened...

that's my hubby...and my Hayley...{and honestly I love that about them...our little secret though because I wouldn't want either of them to know since he would say it's okay if he does that on a routine basis you know} 

BUT let's be honest here...I'm definitely plenty guilty of it myself at times...but my problem is I end up telling him what I did...I've really got to come up with better stories though...like when I blew up our microwave last year...I had nothin'!...and each time I tried to stutter out an explanation...he said "nope"

...but this is what we were up to for part of our Saturday morning...{and yes I changed my opening song to "Smile" by Uncle Kracker on purpose...because it is the truth with Bobby...every single word of that song...he makes me smile...he is just that great...but of course my log-in info won't work so  it won't change...click on song 3 if you like}

we smile...we drive each other nuts...we have fun...we do argue sometimes...and he says "Who Me?"....and I say "Yes you...it's for sure not the trees or something babe!"....

then he pouts....

the best part about these pictures is that he didn't know I was taking these until too late...gave us something to laugh about for sure...{he really is a great sport with a lot of things with me! you are probably shaking your heads in agreement right about now...because I just did too}

BUT most of all my favorite thing together is laughing and talking ~ we are pretty great at that....I wouldn't trade it for the world...

we pray together often...

we love together...

we cry together...out of happiness and sadness...

and we really love to dream together...

He is my best friend without a doubt...my love...someone who is a lot deeper than he gives himself credit for...I love that about him...because he so gets it!

he accepts me for who I am...{most of the time}...you know I've said it before...until the "type A" makes a daily appearance on him...{I'm sure that just got a chuckle out of him}...because to him...I'm sure daily was the keyword there for him...

he loves on me with his patience...his prayers...his encouragement...his funny comments and actions...{he really thinks he's funny too...and it's a good thing because he really is...}

and He always cracks me up when he gets a little curious....but don't worry...he doesn't go peeking in anyone's cupboards or anything when we are somewhere...just lettin' you know in case you just started thinking about when he's visited you or something...

                                        

He really is a man I am thankful for...and I'm very proud to say he is my husband...

To be honest that is always something I need to do better at telling him...

because I really don't say it enough...and he really needs that sometimes...

I'm proud of you Bobby!

proud of you always and with everything you do...

You are great at everything you put your heart into...you just need to believe that about yourself...

...and the best part is...you have always loved me...for me...

You're just that great of a man...Happy Birthday my love!

You are a true treasure in my life!

We {the girls and I} have a few different things up our sleeves this year...nothing big...but a few things I know he will love when he arrives home after dinner with us and the fam...he really loves all that stuff deep down you know...can't wait!

Blessings for you today handsome hubby!