Favorite Fridays

Hello gang...well, it's Friday again and I am excited to write my first "Favorite Friday" blog post. I'm totally ripping this idea off from a friend, but we all know imitation is the finest form of flattery.

So here we go---in my finest "Oprah's favorite things" voice...my very first Favorite Friday post is dedicated to the one and only...

Hello, gorgeous...

I do believe this is love at first sight...

I walked into the Apple store last week on a whim, and walked out with this beautiful display of perfection. From the minute I stepped foot on the sales floor I knew I was doomed. My poor bank account just didn't stand a chance. It was almost as if the skies opened up, and for a brief second I could hear angels singing. 

I checked in at the front of the store, and was then released to play with the gadgets. After breathing the apple air for a few minutes, I was greeted by a super cool geek (oxymoron, for sure, but he was actually kinda cool).  Thirty minutes later I was congratulated with a wild round of applause, followed by the presentation of a gorgeous white box. From there, I was redirected to the registration station and welcomed by a team of geeks. "Mac virgin" was the term they had given me...and this was, in essence, my wedding night. 

It was pretty fabulous, I'm not gonna lie. There were a few other "virgins" at the table and together we celebrated in our newfound mac glory. All it took were a few clicks, downloads, and I was on my way home. 

It's been a week since I brought her home, and I must say, she is simply fabulous. I know she's got a lot of tricks up her sleeve, but like all marriages, it takes time to figure each other out ; )

So there you have it...my very first favorite Friday post. If you're reading this from your mac, then I know you get it. If not, well, it's time to make a trip to the Apple store. 

Class of 2011

Many of you know I used to be an elementary school teacher. During my first year in the classroom I fell in love with a group of seven year-olds and vowed I had found my lifelong calling as a second grade teacher.

After a year of second grade bliss our Principal came to me with a proposal. She asked me if I would give fifth grade a shot for the following year, and if I hated it, I could have my second grade classroom back. I'm always up for a challenge, so I took her up on her offer.

I would be lying if I said it were easy. It wasn't. But there's a saying in life about a silver lining...and, well, with that fifth grade class I certainly found the silver lining in the form of a few really great kids.

These kids and their families have truly made a difference in my life. Over the years they have participated in my wedding (my 5th grade room mom even caught my bouquet!), showered me with baby gifts, and  remained in touch with me (gotta love Facebook).

Here's the kicker. These kids are not kids anymore. In fact, they are High School Seniors...preparing to graduate and head off to college.

I fought back tears of joy when I received this beautiful announcement in the mail:

Corey and I attended their graduation party on Saturday and all I have to say is WOW. I am so proud of you- Ellie, Jake, Mackensie, and all of my other former students! You have made this [former]  fifth grade teacher super proud : )

among the darkness there is light

This past week has been pretty tough. If I could sugar coat it I would- but that would be nearly impossible. It began with the sad news of my husband's grandmother (Me-Maw) passing away early Tuesday morning. She had lived a great life, and of course we rest in the comfort of knowing she is in Heaven with her husband and her daughter (Corey's mom). Still, there is pain associated with losing a loved one, no matter how old they are or how much better off they are in Heaven than on Earth.

The day after Me-Maw's passing, we received a frantic call from a family friend. Their 5 year old daughter had fallen 6 feet from an indoor play structure and landed on concrete. With news of a fractured skull and brain hemorrhaging, we went into panic mode.  For 48 hours we prayed as a family, on our knees, for this little girl. Thankfully, she is at home now, resting and recovering in her own bed. The fear I felt for her (not to mention her parents) was so very real. I praise God knowing he is working to heal this sweet friend of ours, and we are so thankful she will make a full recovery.

As we rejoiced in the news of Caroline's release from the hospital, I received a message from a friend's husband stating they had lost their baby girl (she was 28 weeks pregnant). Although her pregnancy was high risk, things were looking good and we had high hopes for this child. My heart was broken to learn of this news, especially thinking of her as she was being induced to delivery this baby. Rebecca Reese Martin was born on Sunday May 15, 2011. She was baptized shortly after delivery and will be laid to rest next to her great grandfather. I gave up on holding in my tears yesterday- it was just impossible.Tears are streaming down my face even as I write this post.

Throughout this week of "darkness", I must look up to our Heavenly Father and remember that even though sometimes we don't understand WHY, we have to trust in HIM. And that yes, there are times of darkness in our lives, but among the darkness there is always light. This light may be a tiny flame, or a blazing sunset. Either way we must believe that all things do come from our Creator, and allow His light to shine, no matter how big or small.

photographer unknown (could not find the source!)

I came across this image this morning, and wanted to share it with you. It reminded me that among the rocks and crashing waves we experience in life, His light continues to shine on us.

I am embracing the light today and hoping for a better week ahead.

May God's grace and light shine on YOU today : )

*To read more about Rebecca Reese's story, visit her mommy's blog http://incuteshoes.blogspot.com

hung up on...me

Based on my lack of consistency in regards to blog posting, one might think I'm not that interested. Quite the contrary, in fact. I absolutely love writing in my blog. Unfortunately, at this time it's not exactly an income producing activity. So although my posts are here and there, I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing.

I realize a personal blog doesn't have to be a huge time commitment, after all, why can't I just sit down for a few minutes and share a story from my day? It's not that big of a deal. Just do it already. After all, I have so much to say : )

I know exactly what my problem is. I am hung up on...wait for it...myself.

Shocking? Hardly. I know I'm not alone when I say this, but I am my biggest critic. My own personal criticisms shut me down, and far too often I start writing a post and get stuck after the first few sentences. Clever, well-thought stories or anecdotes come into my head as quickly as they pop out. Perhaps it's because I'm not trained in the formal task of writing, or perhaps it's just me. Getting in the way.

When I started this blog I set the standard high for myself. No whining posts about my kids, husband or job. No boring updates on how life's been treating me. And no random posts just because I promised myself I would write 4 times a week.

What I've realized is this: If I want to whine for a paragraph or two about my kids or share a totally random thought of the day I'm just going to suck it up and write it.

After all, it's my blog. I can write whatever I want.

no denying it...party planning madness

If you haven't figured it out by now I am totally obsessed with parties. Parties, special events, anything fun that can incorporate paper products and special details...sign me up.  I honestly have no idea where this passion comes from, and I can't exactly pinpoint when it started. I'm pretty sure I was bit by the wedding planning bug and have never quite recovered.

Which leads me to my most recent party planning experience...my daughter's 4th Birthday. It all started with an innocent cupcake, which led to a blog post, which led to blog surfing, and then photography websites, and Etsy shops, and so on and so forth. Our original cupcake party evolved over time, eventually blossoming into a Sweet Shoppe theme. From there, I became head over heels for candy buffets, favor ideas, invitation designs, and party details. It was a snowball effect that resulted into one of my most favorite memories ever. If you are the kind of person who believes a birthday party for a child under the age of 5 is strictly for the child then put your mouse away and stop reading. Seriously, this blog post is not for you. No offense taken, I promise : )

Of course I want my child to participate and share her input when planning her birthday party. After all, the celebration is for her, right? For the record, I incorporated several of her "favorite things" into this party, not to mention PINK. Everywhere. And glitter. And, well, you get the drift.

In a nutshell, I channeled my creative juices into planning this party for almost 3 months. Some people might cringe when they hear that, but for me it was therapeutic and fun. We all need an outlet, and for me this party served it's purpose.

After blog surfing for 3 months I knew one thing for sure. If I was going to put a ridiculous amount of time and energy planning this party, I wanted the pictures to prove it. My iPhone pics are fine for lunch trips to Chik-fil-A, but definitely not party worthy.

Instead, I hired a photographer as a finishing touch. I had never done this before, and honestly, I don't think I will ever have another party without one! I have to give a special shout out to our long-time family photographer Melissa Prosser for connecting me with Lauren Necko for the day! I called Lauren the day before our party and lucky for me, she was available. Immediately there was a weight lifted off my shoulders.

To know that each detail was being documented and captured, just as I envisioned (and not blurry with my point-and-shoot), made the effort worthwhile. When Elizabeth turns 25 I will be able to look back at these pictures and remember this special day, just as I had planned. Thank you, Lauren, for being a special part of our day!

I haven't seen all of our images yet, but thought I would share a sneak peek with you...

More to come this week...I promise!

hot mess

On Saturday my sweet baby Elizabeth turned 4. FOUR. To think, just four years ago I was home with a newborn, completely clueless. I had no idea how to change a diaper or what to do when she cried. I was hardly an attractive sight decked out in yoga pants and nursing tank tops, covered from head to toe in spit up. With a permanent ponytail I somehow thought my roots would hide (ummm...they didn't), and I completely swore off any personal grooming that may have been viewed as inconvenient. I believe the term is "hot mess."

Yep, that was me. I fell into the trap I swore I would never get close to. I will never forget the day my friend Allison showed up unexpected on my doorstep.

Ahhh, good old Allison. She was my young, blonde, super adorable, super cute, super fun friend. She pulled into my driveway with the music blaring and the convertible top down. Her curls bounced as she walked up to the door and her outfit was downright slammin'. This girl had it goin on. And here I was in my sweatpants, covered in baby puke. A not-so-hot mess.

When I opened the door her jaw dropped. I knew it. I had let her down. We had talked about this...how we agreed to never let this "hot mess" thing take over. We vowed to always be cute and put together, and to never, ever, ever let our true hair color shine through. I was the deal breaker.

My initial instinct was to run like Forrest Gump and leave her alone with my baby for the day. Surely her fishnets would not survive an hour with my kid, let alone that gorgeous hair of hers. She didn't stand a chance, especially with it being so long. I don't care what you say, a baby will find a way to get spit up on your back. It's a proven fact.

The only thing that kept me from running that day was the Chinese take-out she had in one hand, and the gallon of chocolate ice cream she had in the other. Now if that isn't a good friend, I don't know what is.

We spent the afternoon together and she forced me out of my sweatpants. She hijacked my cell phone, called my hairdresser, and emailed my husband to let him know he would be babysitting on Saturday...my roots just couldn't go another week. Best of all, she made me feel like me again.

It's amazing how things have changed in just four short years.Now that I'm back to normal, my dear friend Allison is expecting her first baby. I can't wait to strut my stuff, armed with chicken lo mein and mint chocolate chip. At least if she runs I'll be prepared.

cardiganaholic

Hi, my name is Holiday and I'm a cardiganaholic. At the moment my trusty little spell check device is alarming me with red underlines, but I'm totally ignoring them. This wardrobe addiction has kind of snuck up on me, but thanks to a friends' intervention I can proudly say I'm on the road to recovery.

It all started last week. I was on a mission for a baby shower outfit and figured a quick stop into Ann Taylor would do the trick. Six hours later I found myself driving home with quite a collection of, you guessed it, cardigans. To make matters worse, I didn't even realize the redundancy of my purchases until I stopped at my girlfriend's house to show her the goods. And there they were. Spread on the back of her couch in all of their glory...five cardigans. FIVE. Just like the scale, this couch wasn't lying.

Perhaps you're thinking I bought five very different cardigans...you know, varied styles or fabrics, colors or what have you. Ummm...no, not so much. My friend looked me dead in the eye and brought this to my attention. I bought 2 white cardigans, 2 blue cardigans (almost matching shades), and 1 gray cardigan (this one had ruffles and short sleeves...but still must be acknowledged as I clearly have a problem).

When I got home I immediately stormed my closet. It was true. There really was no denying this. I am addicted to cardigans. Blue, white and black. They were everywhere. I looked down at my shopping bags and realized there would never be a good time to quit cardigan-ing. The time was now. It was hard but I did it. I chose my favorites and left the rest in the bag.

Without a second thought I added Banana Republic to my list of things to do this week. I'm sure there's another cardiganaholic out there who will appreciate my returns.