What Fern Wore : Plaza Festival

Once a year our favorite little neighborhood in town shuts down their streets and invites small business owners and artists to set up tents and sell their sweet creations to the public. There are food trucks, and music, and a kids corner. It's devine. We didn't get to spend much time there this year, and sadly because we're on a bit of a budget until my new job starts- we opted for eating before we left home, and  I wasn't able to snag a pair of the new lovewell leggings in my favorite design from their new fall line (oh- but I will.)

here are a few photos from our day <3

love|well tee by lovewell handmade || red gingham bloomers by missainsleymae || cat ears from Target || braided sandals from Old Navy || sweet little monster friend handmade by our sweet friend Tommie.

Fall is here!

I have... so much on my mind that I want to spill my guts to you guys about, but I haven't even thought through it all, so it would just come out as a huge barf of words. (gross) So... rather than do that, I'm just going to say Hi! It's fall! It feels like fall! I was hibernating for the summer, and now I'm back. (there was a little more to it than that, but we'll leave it at hibernation.) Anyhow. We're getting internet at our home next week- and I just got our fall photos in from Hibben Photography today, the stars have aligned and I think... I THINK... that means.. We're back! at least to semi-regular posts. 

HAPPY FALL!

Fern's second birthday

This post, is not over the top. It's not something you'll see as inspiration on anyone elses blog. It certainly won't be pinned... This is just a little post about Fern's average birthday party. I didn't spend a lot of money on decorations, to be honest, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off 20 minutes before because I forgot to get plates to eat on. I'm talking.. minimal planning. We didn't even do the watermelon ice cream covers because our printer was out of ink. ha! And actually, we did get a watermelon for eating, and then TOTALLY forgot to cut it up and eat it!

It was the best day. An intimate gathering with our family. Fern opened her presents, and we ate the most delicious angel food cake with fresh strawberries made by my grandma (at my request.. cause it's my favorite).. Then we just hung out for a while. That's it, and I've gotta tell you- it was perfect.  Here are some fun pictures from the day. Thank goodness my best friend, Hillary, was there to take photos. I abandoned the camera pretty early on. ;)

Days like this make you 10x more aware of how awesome your family is. Just the fact that they all took times to come eat cake and give Fern presents and just celebrate her life with us for a couple hours out of the day. Most of them traveled more than 30 minutes just to be with us. Fern's a really lucky little lady to have so many people who care so much, and I know we all missed the couple of family members who weren't able to be with us that day.

get the sillies out : out takes from Fern's 2 year photo shoot

As promised, I've gone through the gallery and put together a little post of some silly photos from the photo shoot with Hibben Photography.

Fern's 2 year photo shoot with Hibben Photography

It's been pretty serious over here for the past couple of days, I REALLY appreciate all of the feedback  and questions from my last post. I was talking to Tesia yesterday and we were both SO encouraged by the number of page views, and great response. Usually it's a pretty heated conversation, and we're so proud of NOBODY for being negative on the subject. You guys are so impressive.
but now- let's lighten the mood a little shall we?

Tom and Sam Hibben are a married team of photographers who make up "Hibben Photography" and never cease to rock my world. You might remember their wonderful photography from Fern's newborn photos, Fern's 1st birthday, our engagement shoot & our wedding. So of course, I didn't expect anything less than amazing. We've already seen it time and time again. Still, nothing could've prepared me for the heart melting images I've been getting sneak peeks of since last week. I finally got a look at the whole shabang- and I seriously had to take a moment to recover. I try not to be over-kill with the photos on my blog posts.. but... I make no promises this time around. How can I possibly choose?

Prepare to be in puddles by the end of the post. Enjoy!

Toddler Surgery: Adenoid removal + tubes

As many of you who follow along with me on facebook, twitter or instagram know: Fern had her adenoids removed Wednesday & tubes put in. The surgery couldn't have gone better. I'm so thankful for doctors who communicated well & proceeded quickly, a husband who was available and supportive consistently through the day and family and friends who sent texts, phone calls & messages our way all day & the days leading up to the surgery,  checking on Fern. It really helped distract me.

I know that having your adenoids removed isn't a big deal. Tubes are even less of a big deal. Super common surgeries. Even sitting in the waiting room were 3 other kids around Fern's age getting tubes that day as well. That being said- you can't tell a mom not to worry. We worry when they spend their first night away from home, we worry when they start eating solid foods, we worry that somebody babysitting won't see them stick their fingers in light sockets.. so it's only natural to worry about surgery, no matter how common or minor it is.

As I mentioned, I had a great team of doctors, nurses and surgeons who comforted me, explained things well and never once made me feel like I was over-reacting when I'd tear up at the thought of her being on a surgery table. I thought that I might pass along the information I learned in case anybody reading this has to go through this in the future. You can find information everywhere, but sometimes it's just comforting to hear it from other mom's experiences. Here's what I learned:

Fern has not always had ear infections. In fact, she just started getting them around September. I don't know what changed, but something did.
There's a tube connecting your ears, nose and throat called the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube should drain any fluid that gets in your ears. If the fluid stays in the ears without draining it can turn to puss which causes ear infections. When you have an ear infection; the antibiotics prescribed actually turn the puss back into liquid so it can drain properly.

source

Tubes are put in after several (and I do mean several) continuous ear infections. Tubes are a surgically inserted way for that fluid to drain out if it hasn't been draining out properly through the eustachian tube. Fern had them consistently since September. Sometimes they would both be infected, sometimes one would be infected. Sometimes there would be no infection, but there would still be fluid in her ears, which is better than infection- but still not super awesome. This is when the doctor started talking about seeing an ENT (Ear Nose & Throat) doctor to have a better look & see if tubes were the way to go.

source

After going to the ENT & having a hearing test done, it was confirmed that tubes would be the right way to go. Her eardrums weren't moving at all during the test, which I was informed meant that there was probably still a good deal of fluid in there. I mentioned that Tristan had to have his adenoids removed when he was small due to sleep apnea. I wasn't sure if this is something that could be passed down. He said it was. (Fern does not have sleep apnea, though she's always snored) Upon looking at her adenoids he was certain they were the main problem. Her adenoids were blocking about 80% of her eustachian tube, which is why the fluid couldn't drain properly. Even if tubes were inserted, he was certain that without the removal of the adenoids, Ear infections would start up again after the tubes were removed. (tubes only stay in for up to 1 year)

The whole process went pretty quickly. I was given advice by several people for the surgery and after such as:
Stock up on "soft diet" foods ie: yoghurt, eggs, smoothy ingredients, etc. It's common for their throats to be sore after surgery.
Ask to be with them while they're being sedated: I asked, but at our surgery center they couldn't grant this request for safety reasons for both you and the child. I guess they've had parents pass out before. But I was told to ask, so maybe some places will let you. This was honestly the worst part of the whole thing for me. Fern is so attached and screamed as they took her away from me. She didn't know them, and she didn't want to go with them without me.
Send comfort:  One of Fern's teachers got her a little present to open before she went into surgery. It was a little stuffed lamb to hold through the whole procedure. After the procedure is finished they'll come get you as soon as they can, but it was good to know she had something of comfort to hold onto while she was waiting for us.
Cold Drink: The hospital was ready with juice box & popsicle to soothe her little throat afterwards. I'd recommend bringing a sippy cup to put it in. She was a little out of it still and didn't quite "get" the concept of the straw, nor did she have the patience to figure it out.

We got to sit with Fern up until they were ready to take her back for the procedure. They took her. She cried. I cried. Tristan comforted me. The entire procedure lasted about 20 minutes. (Just long enough for my scalding tea to cool enough to drink) The doctor met with us and told us how well she did. He warned us that kids are ALWAYS really grumpy right after surgery when the anesthesia is still wearing off, so don't be worried about that. (and she was. very grumpy) She got ear-drops to use 3 times a day for 3 days. When we were able to see her she just wanted out of there. The nurses gave us some basic instruction and answered any questions we had while removing the IV in her hand (super sad- she's still pretty bruised). We went straight home where Fern immediately insisted on watching "Monsters University" (more commonly known at our house as "monsters")

Once we were home Fern's mood was worlds better. She cuddled up on the couch with me, her bunny & her sippy cup. (very important to keep them hydrated) We watched an episode of Paw Patrol before turning the channel to "monsters". Fern and I both fell asleep 20 minutes in. I woke up to Mike chasing a pig who had stolen his hat & relocated Fern and myself to my bed for some comfy napping and cuddling. She snored SO LOUD. The doctor said this would happen because she'd be a little swollen. She was also a little congested for the same reasons. After naptime she woke up and had scrambled eggs and yoghurt. Tristan skipped school that evening and took us out for tacos & fro-yo. Apart from being exhausted from the day, she was totally back to normal. I'm so thankful for that.

Love Well Handmade + Fern

A couple months ago I got an email from a company I have admired from the moment I heard of them: Love Well Handmade. Not only for their ridiculous talent at designing insanely cute AND comfy kids clothes, or that they're local (you know I love my local businesses), or the fact that every piece is designed by husband & hand stitched by wife, OR the fact that they do it all with some of the cutest toddler twins I have yet to lay my eyes on. But on top of all this, they do it all for a good cause. Yes, with every purchase from Love Well, 20% is given back and put into action- changing the world.

" Our signature heart is hidden in all our custom fabric designs (go ahead, look to find it!). We embedded it as a simple reminder to love well everyday. Since all our items are handmade - don't be surprised when the heart is found in a new place on every garment."

I just  l o v e  this company. So when they asked if Fern would like to model some of their new spring line, I didn't even have to think about it. I couldn't respond quick enough. I'm SO honored to have my daughter be part of this company, even if in the smallest of ways. The photo shoot was amazing of course because Ely Fair was photographing, all of the kids were incredible, the company was the best. Here's how Fern's portion of the shoot turned out, modeling their new "Great Plains" collection:

That's not where the cuteness ends, though- There's an entire spring collection and their "Great Plains" line is only the beginning of the cuteness. There are LLAMAS, people. yellow and mint llamas. I can't..

oh- don't forget to enter the 3rd week of anniversary giveaways tomorrow. There's some Love Well loot amongst the goods.

 Photos taken by Ely Fair Photography & borrowed from Love Well Handmade facebook

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and content are my own unless quoted.

Fernversations

Last time I posted about the little "isms" of Fern it was only the small list of words she was getting comfortable saying. Now, she says EVERYTHING. She repeats it all. She's starting to string words together and make little phrases and it's just so darn cute.

A few as of late:

good boy- ooboy
King sit - teen sit!
it's okay- sokay
oh boy! 
oh no! - oh noooooooooo!
there it is - eh-itis
i love you- effooo
Bubble Guppies- buppies
Paw Patrol- paw-tol
please stop- pees top! (with both hands out in front)
chicken and french fries (which she wants for lunch EVERY DAY) - uckin and feshfies
snow monster- no-muster
cute, momma, cute- tute momma, tute.
momma, Fern's happy- momma fuwn appy!
**Fern is said without the "r"
i tooted- this one of course, she says just like it sounds- so everyone knows what's going on anytime we're in public. It's often prefaced with a loud gasp, or "uh oh!" *half the time it's not just a toot.
If there is two of anything (for example- cups) she recites  "momma tup, fuwn tup"


These are just a few, I can't wait until she actually starts stringing together sentences. This girl is such a comedian.

Read more "Fernversations" here

105 things I'll teach my daughter:

Photo by Katie Begley Photography

I saw this article on "thought catalogue" last week that was titled "101 things I will teach my daughters". I totally agreed with most, would've replaced a lot, and disagreed with a few- but it inspired me to write my own.

Here is my list of things I'll teach MY daughter(s)
a good deal of this list is copied from the original post. Some is my own. Some is re-worded. It's a good list.

[1] Chocolate is only a temporary fix.
[2] A properly-fitting bra is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
[3] Your happiness is your happiness, and yours alone.
[4] How to apply red lipstick
[5] How to wear the crap out of red lipstick
[6] A boyfriend does not validate your existence.
[7] When you find love don't run from it.
[8] Eat the extra slice of pizza.
[9] Love the world unconditionally.
[10] Seek beauty in all things
[11] Wear what makes you feel gracefully at ease
[12] Buy your friends dinner when you can
[13] Send letters to people you care about without an occasion
[14] Wear sunscreen like it's your second job.
[15] Try with all your might to keep in contact with far-away friends
[16] Dye your hair a crazy color. any crazy color.
[17] Make the world feel at ease around you.
[18] Walk with your head up
[19] Order a cheeseburger on the first date if you want to.
[20] Drive with the windows down whenever possible.
[21] Don't be afraid of credit cards.
[22] Your GPA is not a confession of your character.
[23] There is strength in breaking down.
[24] Explore all different religions & figure out for yourself what you believe in.
[25] Believe in something.
[26] You don't have to like yoga
[27]  Pick a perfume. Spray once.
[28] Wear heels if you want to, even if you're tall. Even if your S.O. is shorter than you.
[29] Classy is a relative term.
[30] Drink whiskey if you like whiskey.
[31] Drink wine if you like wine.
[32] There's really nothing cool, cute, or classy at all about smoking. It's bad for your health, it turns your teeth yellow, and it makes you stink. Don't do it. 
[33] Like what you like and offer no explanation.
[34] You are no less of a woman when you're in sweats and gym shoes than a woman in stilettos and a pencil skirt.
[35] Love your fellow woman with all your heart and soul.
[36] Cry, uninhibited, with your friends.
[37] Laugh until you can't breathe with your friends.
[38] Tell me everything.
[39] Exercise to be strong and healthy. A beautiful soul needs a sturdy vessel.
[40] There is no shame in hoping for love.
[41] Marry a man who will be as good of a father as your father is.
[42] It's okay to say no to a man who is less than your dream.
[43] My cooking is the best cooking.
[44] Do not take sex lightly.
[45] I mean it.
[46] Anna Karenina. I'd like it if you read it.
[47] The world spins on the principle of inherent tragedy. Don't be blind to it.
[48] Men are effectively idiots until the age of 26.
[49] Carbohydrates are not the enemy.
[50] Try new things. Find something to be involved in.
[51] Listen to classical music occasionally
[52] Take hot baths
[53] Take bubble baths
[54] Do not use bath salts
[55] You are more than capable. I promise.
[56] Don't smile if you don't mean it.
[57] Mean your anger. Mean your sadness. Mean your pain.
[58] I am always, always listening.
[59] Travel.
[60] Get stuck in a foreign country with $4.67 in your account.
[61] Make me furious.
[62] Make me worry.
[63] Take a lot of risks.
[64] Come home smelly, tired, and with a good story.
[65] Your story isn't really yours, You are a compilation of others' stories.
[66] Well-fitting and modest is ALWAYS sexier than too small and tight.
[67] It's too much eyeliner if you have to ask.
[68] Learn to bake for when you're sad and I'm not there.
[69] Humility and subservience are not synonyms.
[70] Be gentle with your skin
[71] Literature is really cool.
[72] Read. consistently.
[73] Don't stop learning.
[74] Discover skill share classes.
[75] There is no substitute for fresh air
[76] That salad is not better than pasta and it never will be.
[77] Find at least three green vegetables you can tolerate.
[78] A smoothie is not a meal.
[79] Learn about healthy eating.
[80] Eat dessert.
[81] Expect the best from everyone.
[82] People will let you down.
[83] Take trips to the beach.
[84] Make a bucket list
[85] Achieve that bucket list.
[86] There is a certain kind of man you need to avoid at all costs. You'll know it when you meet him.
[87] What other people say is right doesn't always feel right.
[88] Go with your gut. What feels right is where your happiness is.
[89] Give thoughtful gifts.
[90] Form an opinion
[91] Stick to it.
[92] Exfoliation in moderation.
[93] Just because you don't agree with someone doesn't mean you have a right to argue.
[94] If it's worth fighting for, fight fiercely.
[95] Be respectful to everyone.
[96] Nobody owes you anything. You are entitled to nothing.
[97] Work hard for what you have.
[98] Take photos of everything.
[99] Be nostalgic.
[100] Make mix tapes.
[101] Follow your bliss at all costs.
[102] Be independent.
[103] Know that being independent doesn't mean you can't ask for help.
[104] Always ask me if you need help.
[105] Chocolate ice cream may be a permanent fix.
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Zoo weekend

Tristan and I have been talking about how excited we were to take Fern to the zoo this year for MONTHS. We took her last year, but she was so little. Could barely walk- wasn't really into the animals. VERY short attention span. This winter she learned all the animals and what they say. Her favorite is the elephant. Every time she walks by the vacuum cleaner, she grabs the hose and makes an elephant noise. Lucky us, our zoo just put in a new elephant observatory. (and it's pretty darn nice!) I've been meaning to find time to go, but it's been pushed back in the back of my mind.

Last week, Fern and I went to the lake with my family for a few days of spring break. Tristan couldn't come because he had work. :( We really missed him. BUT! Turns out, the little sneak worked overtime (deep into the dark hours) while we were gone so that he could take off early on Friday and surprise us with a zoo trip! What a guy. I tell ya.

We had such a great time. We have a great zoo. We didn't get to do everything we wanted, but we stayed for JUST enough time. 2 hours with an (almost) two year old is way enough. way way. enough. I'm excited to go back, though- We missed stingray bay and the children's zoo. Here's a few photos we did get to take <3

 
We had such a great time. I can't wait to go back for phase 2! :)

life lately: "how do you get so many great photos of your kid"

somebody once asked me "how do you always get so many great photos of Fern?"


my answer is this:

I get 10x as many pictures like this... You just gotta get all paprazi on your kid, and usually 1 out of 100 turn out pretty gosh darn wonderful. (but the take outs are pretty special too)

The restoring powers of Sunday

I love Sundays. I love Sundays because I always get time with my two favorite people in the WORLD. Plus the weather is AMAZING right now, and we can play and laugh outside, and breathe fresh air, and be silly, and smell like dirt and sweat, and fun. aaah. Sunday is my drink of cool water, it's what energizes me for the week to come. Because being a stay at home mom is hard, and honsetly, by the time the weekend comes I'm just barely hanging on. 

I read this post on "asking the right questions" by Momastery. This particular paragraph felt like she was speaking through my soul. 

"When Craig returned each day at 6:00 he’d walk through the door, smile, and say– “So! How was your day?”This question was like a spotlight pointed directly at the  chasm between his experience of a “DAY” and my experience of a “DAY.”  How was my day?The question would linger in the air for a moment while I stared at Craig and the baby shoved her hand in my mouth like they do –  while the oldest screamed MOMMY I NEED HELP POOING from the bathroom and the middle one cried in the corner because I NEVER EVER EVER let her drink the dishwasher detergent. NOT EVER EVEN ONCE, MOMMY!!! And I’d look down at my spaghetti stained pajama top, unwashed hair, and gorgeous baby on my hip – and my eyes would wander around the room, pausing to notice the toys peppering the floor and the kids’ stunning new art on the fridge . . .
And I’d want to say:
How was my day? Today has been a lifetime. It was the best of times and the worst of times. There were moments when my heart was so full I thought I might explode, and there were other moments when my senses were under such intense assault that I was CERTAIN I’d explode. I was both lonely and absolutely desperate to be alone. I was saturated- just BOMBARDED with touch and then the second I put down this baby I yearned to smell her sweet skin again. I was simultaneously bored out of my skull and completely overwhelmed with so much to do. Today was too much and not enough. It was loud and silent. It was brutal and beautiful. I was at my very best today and then, just a moment later, at my very worst. At 3:30 today I decided that we should adopt four more children, and then at 3:35 I decided that we should give up the kids we already have for adoption. Husband – when your day is completely and totally dependent upon the moods and needs and schedules of tiny, messy, beautiful rug rats your day is ALL OF THE THINGS and NONE OF THE THINGS, sometimes within the same three minute period. But I’m not complaining. This is not a complaint, so don’t try to FIX IT. I wouldn’t have my day Any.Other.Way. I’m just saying- it’s a hell of a hard thing to explain- an entire day with lots of babies"

Right?!?!  spot on. and I only have one. One that I am SO eternally grateful for... a whole lot of the time.

Here's to making it to Sunday.

Fernversations 1.0

 February 2014 | 21 months 

This little chump has grown quite an extensive vocabulary. THIS stage. This. is what I've been waiting for. I love her little voice and the things she says. The way she pronounces words, and I'm the only one who knows what in the world she's saying. I can't wait until she can form sentences and tell us her thoughts. <3 sweet little dumplin'. Here are some of her favorite words and their pronunciations. 

momma

daddy da-ee

grandma mah-ma

grandpa umpah

Morgan moogie (accompanied by a tilt of her head side to side. every time)

Ashley atchie

Alfie afie

Tianna nana

Mimsy mimee

Christie chistee

Rusty usty

okay otay!

here we go eego!

slide side

park pok

treat teat

snack nak

poop -

toot -

book buk

please peeeeeeeeeeeaase

thank you tankoo

oh no -

uh oh -

Dora - 

arriba (spanish for up) eeba!

abrir (spanish for open) ahbay

off ots

pizza tseetsah

chicken bok bok bok bok (acompanied by "the chicken dance)

fruit fewt

King nee

Caddy taddy

Waylon maymen

Bubble Guppies  buppies

Molly mahee

Nonnie -

milk muk

juice jewsh

cupcake - tuptake

Those are just some of the every day translations, but this girl- she's starting to repeat every little thing. It's so hilarious. She knows all of her body parts, she can count to three, and she's learning her colors. She knows orange, blue, black, purple, pink. She can tell you almost every animal and what they say (my favorite is the elephant). 

She prefers salt to sweet, unless it's her fruit snacks. She'd eat pizza for every meal if I let her, and when it's time for bed she gets excited (usually). We give her her blanket and bunny that she sleeps with, and she's usually so excited because she knows it's bedtime, she'll give off this tired giggle that just melts me to puddles. 

She loves books. We read "goodnight moon" and "the monster book" (<- not the official name ) several times a day. In close company is her "moby dick ocean primer" book and "you're my little cupcake". 

She's very cautious, but courageous at the same time. She likes to keep close to me until she's very comfortable, but once she is she'll run off by herself and do whatever she wants. Loud noises, and animals she doesn't know make her very timid and cautious. She's still not a big fan of most men. Except her daddy, and she's warming up to my grandpa.. but he knows how to make the chicken train go- so.. he's got that on his side. 

I can't believe how much she's growing. 

I need to keep doing little updates like this here and there to track the progress. It's just amazing how much and how quickly they take things in at this age. I'm totally in awe. 

I don't want her to grow up too fast though. 

Stay little, Fernie... <3

(this is my 100th blog post, by the way)

Life Lately \ Weekly Wishes || 1.

Hi friends, just a little update on Life Lately: Tristan has just started back to film school for the semester, and I'm enrolled in real estate classes online. My car has been listed as "for sale" for months now, and we finally have the sweetest lady interested in buying it. More on that if it's actually sold. It was announced recently that Tristan's dad is being inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. So awesome! I've been getting back into painting recently and have made a few things for the shoppe. Fern has been sick the past couple of days, due to teething. It's the worst teething we've gone through in a long while. I just hate it. Apart from that, she's growing so quickly. She woke up from her nap the other day and I swear she seemed older than before nap time.

Here's a little preview of life lately:

Also, I've just stumbled upon the Weekly Wishes linkup, and I just immediately knew it was right down my alley. I mean... I wrote this post even before I found it, and it just goes so well with the theme. What a great idea, and a great way to stay motivated and focused on getting things done! I'm all about it. Consider this a new Monday ritual. Ya'll should join in too! It'll be fun!

My goals for the week:

|| Finish my current chapter & rock the test
|| Have a coffee date with the girls of "the circle" -done
|| make 2 custom orders from the new "birth announcement" line in the shoppe done
|| take product photos -done
|| make time for a night out with an old friend -done
|| finish the book I've been reading for months. -done

Life Lately:

Hi readers! I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I took it upon myself to just leave the blog be for the holidays and spend time with my family. Now that things are settling back down (for a couple of weeks, anyway) I'm back to blogging! I've got lots on the books for you that I'm really excited about. Like, introducing you to new friends, some reading material, a great Christmas DIY, and more!  I'm sure there's more. I have a list- so I won't forget.

For now, have a peek at some of the treasures I have from my blog break. If you keep up with me on instagram, you may have seen some of these.

1. Smelling the beautiful flowers at cuppies. she always gets REALLY into smelling flowers.
2. Visiting "Aunt Mac" at the Bricktown events center | 3. Thanksgiving with siblings and cousins
4. Marek "Aunt Mac", herself and all of her beautiful pillows at Deluxe.  | 5. Don't download the app that turns your photos into "santa". It will haunt your dreams for nights to come.
6. My sweet husband took my grandpa to the Thunder game last Friday. So sweet! love these men!
7. Currently we MUST watch our shows with every doll available. | 8. Tristan's grandmother, Fern and I at my brother-in-law's wedding!


It's been such a great week! Wow, looking back through all of these photos, we've seen so many loved ones and celebrated so much. I love it!

I hope your Thanksgiving was fantastic and you got to spend it with all of your favorite people as well!



P.S. I'm so honored to be able to mark of #25 of my 30 before 30 list. Meg of Rivers and Roads posted an interview about my shoppe yesterday! You can go read it here!

joined together, forever.

Here are some sweet photos from our wedding. I'm basically re-posting these photos from our wedding photographer's blog because I haven't received our CD with all of our photos on it, and I'm much too impatient to wait for it to come. I've already waited THIS long to share them. I find that very impressive.

Our wedding was perfect. It was at my grandparents house in the country, where I grew up. It was a romantic evening wedding. Just a tad of chill in the air. The sun sat as we said our vows and afterwards we went into the pasture and celebrated with all of our loved ones with campfire, dancing, and libations to warm us. We wanted our entire wedding to have a very community feel. We set the tables up in a large circle(ish) shape so we could all enjoy one another and the dance floor was in the center. For dinner, I asked everyone to bring a dish of any sort. We had such a fantastic turnout. It couldn't have gone better. I'm so thankful The Hibben's were there to capture it all. 

I didn't snag all of the photos from the photographers blog, but I snagged many of them. So if you'd like to go see a few more you can head here.