Thankful :: February 2014 Edition

February has been a good month. Lots to be thankful for.

Thankful for sunny skies and warmer weather. Just a little time outdoors makes such a difference in our day and now I'm so ready for spring I can't stand it. 

For tea parties with stuffed animals and Pinterest breakfasts (that are actually doable for this impatient mama) when we're not able to make it outdoors. Definitely helps pass the time. 

For my mom and a weekend with her all to ourselves. We were definitely sad to see her go. Since my mom could make her life's work scouring antique stores, (and does to some extent!) my sister and I took her to Bell Buckle, a quaint little town that has its fill of antique shops. Bell Buckle is also known for its annual Moon Pie festival which I'm determined to visit at some point. Moon Pies were one of my favorite treats as a kid, so of course Crosbi had to have her first Moon Pie experience. She loved it.

For preschool Valentine's Day Sock Hop parties. I panicked a little when her teacher asked that all the children dress in 50s attire. I don't sew and definitely didn't have a poodle skirt lying around. I was thrilled to find a costume on Amazon for $10. Watching Crosbi twirl in her skirt made my day. Having a girl is too much fun. 

For overnight trips (even when we only travel a few miles from home) with the greatest friends a girl could ask for. These ladies challenge and inspire me in more ways than I can count. I'm blessed for sure.

February, you've been good to me.

xoxo

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Family Photo Album :: Artifact Uprising

I sold my "big girl" camera. I had saved for a dSLR for months and months, purchased it before Crosbi was born, eager to master my photography skills. I read a few articles online, learned the basics of ISO and aperture, but in the end, I just didn't have time to commit. There is so much more to using it than pointing and clicking. If you're going to use a fancy camera, you need to also learn photoshop and be a pro at editing. Not only could I not find the time, I didn't have the budget. So I sold it. It was the greatest thing to happen to my husband - he got a new kayak out of the deal. Marriage really is all about compromises, isn't it?

Now I rely completely on my iPhone and I am more than okay with that. I love the ease of it and I have it with me at all times. I rarely miss a moment. Plus with all the amazing editing apps that are available, it's easy to fake being a pro. My favorites are PicTapGo and VSCO. I could rave about them all day.

As I was making our family album this year, I realized nearly all of my photos were taken on my phone, which totally sealed the deal in selling my big camera. Using my phone for all my photos also led me to the coolest company around: Artifact Uprising. They even have an app where you can turn your photos into books in minutes. All from your phone. Genius!

I ordered one of their Wood Clipboard Calendars as a gift for Todd's mom, so I knew I liked their products, but I was still giddy when our photo book arrived. 

While I have to be careful not to cross the line of being on my phone too much with a little one around, I'm loving technology these days. So glad the little device that I carry in my purse has helped to create memories we'll look back on for years and years. 

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Real Life :: Valentines Edition

While Crosbi sat at the table coloring, I pulled out the supplies to make Valentines for her preschool classmates. She looked up, saw right away I was using stickers and asked, "I help you?" 

That also happens to be the exact phrase she uses when she wants me to help her. She's the cutest. 

My immediate thought was to tell her to keep coloring and that I would quickly finish her Valentines. Having her help meant they wouldn't look the way I wanted them to, and the process would take much longer. The perfectionist in me was hesitant, but the mom in me gladly accepted her help. I'm learning each day that while it might be easier for me to do things on my own, having Crosbi try new things is so much fun for both of us. I love how she's shaking things up around here, breaking us of the habits that need breaking.

The house is a mess, she's wearing the blackberries she had for breakfast on her face, and her nose is runny. But this is my real life. 

I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

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Red Oak (formerly Red Lark)

Just a few miles from our home is the cutest little coffee shop which was once called the Red Lark, but we were informed as we walked in that it is now the Red Oak. Either way, its small town charm and iced chai lattes keep me coming back. 

Todd had never been, so this morning we decided to experience it as a family. That was after Crosbi slept until 9 (say whaaaaaat?!). We had reason to celebrate.

I ordered the breakfast quesadilla and iced chai of course. Todd and Crosbi both had the croissants - his with eggs and bacon, hers with peanut butter and bananas. We'll always jump at the chance to support our local businesses - especially when they're as cute as the Red Oak.

Coloring. Always coloring. 

Happy weekend!

xoxo

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