Friday Favorites | Stocking Stuffer Ideas

It has been so fun having a mantel and fireplace to decorate and hang stockings on this Christmas! Can't wait for Santa to fill them on Christmas morning. ;) When thinking of stocking stuffer ideas for our wish lists, I always love starting with the "want, need, wear, read" categories! Here are a few stocking stuffers on our lists this year ...

B O Y

want :: the perfect sized Lego's to fit in a stocking

need :: a new quiet activity for church on Sundays. We've had a few of these and they last a really long time and I love that they are no mess!

wear :: since he spends more time in underwear than anything else, might as well make them fun and another pair of his favorite jeans because they are buttery soft and come in a bunch of different colors (they feel like cozy sweats)

read :: I've heard such great things about this Christmas book!

T O D D L E R   G I R L 

want :: her own bunny because Liam has one and she is constantly stealing it! haha

need :: hair detangler for the knotty mess that happens post bath and bed time!

wear :: a set of my favorite bows on her, the sweetest little bracelets, and this sweater with these leggings

read :: a lift the flap reindeer book

F O R   H I M

want :: his favorite pre workout (gets us both out of bed every morning to exercise)!

need :: new exercise shorts (he has several pairs but his favorite ones he wore painting one time and naturally wears that particular pair the most out in public. It has hand prints on the bum but I don't know how those got there! ;)

wear :: a hat

read :: to continue collecting the series so he can start reading them with Liam when he gets in grade school 

F O R   H E R

want :: make up removing face wipes (remove my make up with only water, WHAT?!) and a monogram coat hanger for our new entryway

need :: moroccan oil (I used this stuff for years and then ran out and have noticed a huge difference in how dry my hair is with crazy fly-aways without it)  

wear :: the softest crew neck sweatshirt I've ever worn! (comes in 3 colors)

read :: because I could get all the help in the patient parenting department I can

I thought I'd also add that we love the tradition of a chocolate orange at the bottom of the stocking and m&m filled candy canes sticking out of the top! Can't believe there is only 18 days left until Christmas!! I'm watching Miracle on 34th Street for the first time right now and am already crying 20 minutes in at the part where a mom brings her deaf little girl to sit on Santa's lap and she says "You don't have to talk to her, she just wants to see you." and he smiles at back at her, then at the little girl and starts speaking to her in sign language. I don't know how I haven't seen it until now but I love the magic of the holidays so much! XO

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! So excited it's almost the weekend!

Here I was recapping Halloween just a few days ago and while I promise I'm in no way skipping Thanksgiving (can hardly wait for the yummy food and family time actually!), it's just not nearly as fun to decorate for as Christmas so I thought I'd share some of my favorite Christmas finds for Friday favorites!

It's no secret that I love Anthropologie and they are having a 20% off home sale this weekend so for the first time ever, I bought our family a set of beautiful stockings and I can't wait for them to come! These are the ones I picked for the girls and this one for the boys.

I got this tree skirt last year and they have a matching set of ornaments to add to the collection this year!

The perfect doormat for the season! 

The prettiest color of bottle brush trees ... they have great ones at the Target dollar spot and Hobby Lobby too!

Love these old fashioned Santa mugs to go with my favorite drinking glasses ... both are the perfect Christmas colors and have the added benefit of being the perfect festive pieces for kitchen shelves this time of year!

Cutest holiday gift wrap! Love this vintage Santa paper I found at Target too for stocking gifts.

I haven't done a whole lot of Christmas gift shopping yet (I usually wait for Black Friday online deals) but I have already ordered our Christmas cards this year after getting our family pictures back and decided to try out Chatbooks this year! I love their photo book subscription that is linked to my Instagram account ... it basically doubles as my family scrapbooks/printed memories to have in our home and they just launched a holiday card collection this year! It has so many cute designs and are really affordable so I'm excited to send those out to friends and family on December 1st. 

Man, now I'm over here holding myself back from turning on Christmas music and decorating right this minute! I might have to start sprinkling a few things around my house this weekend just because this is the most wonderful time of the year!! Hope you have the BEST weekend! XO

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! There is snow on the forecast for the next three days so the only thing on my weekend wish list is to take Liam sledding! ... and maybe get my house cleaned ... but playing in the snow sounds so much more fun. ;) He's finally starting to get over his almost two week long cold and is getting a bit stir crazy (three year old boys never slow down) so I think he'll love it!
 But before we jump into the weekend I thought I'd share a few Friday favorites!

A quote that reminds me so much of my Lyla girl ...

I think I need to find a place for it in her room. <3 p="">
How fun is this peach shower curtain and the bath mat to go with it?!

I have to keep my finger nails painted otherwise I bite them but I always have a hard time finding enough time (kid free) where I can paint them and they won't get smudged. It drives me crazy how long it takes for nail polish to dry. Insert my new gem! This stuff seriously works.

My go-to lunch lately. I use plain greek yogurt instead of mayo.

I think this wreath is SO pretty! Spring, where are you?! ;)

Lyla is growing out of all of her 3-6 month clothes right now and I've gotten so used to Liam growing a new size each season, not in the middle of a season like she is. I'd so much rather buy her fun springy clothes right now ... like this cute little chambray romper ... but long sleeves are still very much necessary. sigh. Good thing she looks cute in anything!

Hope you have the BEST weekend! XO

Fall Favorites

Happy Thursday! I see you, Friday ... we're alllmost there! 

These last two weeks have felt like the longest weeks. I think a lot of it has to do with being cooped up at home with a newborn and a toddler all of the time. haha My sweet husband gave me an hour out by myself for the first time last Tuesday night and it was the most liberating feeling ever! I hardly knew what to do with myself as I peacefully wandered Hobby Lobby on my own. Speaking of Hobby Lobby, I went there for letters and paint to finish one of my last projects for Lyla's nursery. Can't wait to share her room tour! For now, my finished project and a few other Friday favorites ...

The BEST chocolate chip pumpkin cookies I've EVER had!! When I first read the recipe I kind of rolled my eyes at the many finicky steps they take to make but every recipe I've ever tried has turned out cakey and this truly is the perfect gooey on the inside, crisp on the outside kind of cookie. My fav!! Basically it is worth every single step people!

Favorite flannel and joggers on Liam this fall. 

Not necessarily a "fall" favorite but I just learned about this laundry product ... where has this been all of my life?! Takes out every single baby poop and spit up stain. It is giving me life and too good not to share! 

Cutest momma and baby costume!

And as if I needed any other reason to love October, we marked off our annual visit to the pumpkin patch last weekend. It is something I look forward to every single year! Can't wait to carve those pumpkins in a couple weeks too. Now bring on the weekend! ;) 

friYAY & a few favs

I don't think there has ever been a more perfect time to use the acronym TGIF than at the end of this particular week! Between the craziness of the election, the destroyer that was daylight savings time to schedules (hello early morning wake up times from a certain little boy and some of the loooooongest days ever!), and some personal trials, I couldn't be more ready to welcome the weekend. We have been blessed with some incredible weather for this time of year so I think we'll take advantage of it and get our Christmas lights hung before it decides to take a bipolar turn toward nordic temperatures. Before I sign off for the weekend, a few favorites this week (most from around the web) ...

These copper lace lanterns I found in the T.J.Maxx clearance aisle that look like they came straight from the shelves of one of my favorite stores! Speaking of Anthropologie, everything in their Holiday section is just SO good!

THIS rug for Liam's big boy room we have in the works. Can't wait to share more soon!

A mash-up of pure talent by two of my favorite artists!

Two out of three pairs of my Toms have holes in the toes (I'm starting to think I might need to make this a trend, ya know like holes in jeans?!) but maybe these adorable sneakers hold up better?

I got our family pictures back this week that my sweet friend took and I love them! Can't wait to put together our Christmas card this year! A sneak peek of the cutest one who stole the show ;) ...

And two favorite quotes ... "In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." & "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

Choosing to find joy in my soul and to spread kindness because love always wins. 

Happy Weekend! XO

Friday Favorites

TGIF could NOT be more fitting for today! After five days of constant cranky toddler meltdowns and an iPhone that fell out of my back pocket and into a unfortunate bowl of water, I could not be more ready for the weekend. And if I'm being honest, a GIANT bowl of ice cream! Most likely only one of those things will come to pass so I'll just be over here sending heart eyes to some of my favorite finds "on the line" this week. Anyone catch that movie reference?! ;)

F O R   T H E   L I T T L E S

My favorite bear ear sweatshirt that I mentioned in this post was sold out finally went back in stock in the exact size I needed it for Liam last week so I hurried and scooped one up before it was gone again! It is currently sold out in the ochre color he is wearing but they still have a few sizes left in the blue one. This is my new favorite picture of Liam and Nic together ...

I also love these astronaut and fireman costume jammies for Halloween, so much fun! I still haven't quite decided what to dress Liam up as yet. Considering this will likely be my last year that I can help pick it out I better make it a good one. ;) I have been pinning away some cute ideas but I'm also thinking a trip to the Halloween shops that just opened in town is in order this weekend!

I came across this Q&A journal for kids and think it would be so fun to do with Liam as he starts talking more! Maybe at age 3 considering we are coming upon age 2 in less than a month and he pretty much sticks to "more", "bye", and "bubble". haha

F O R   T H E   H O M E

Halloween is one of my very favorite things about fall and while it is still over a month away and fall only officially began yesterday, I won't admit that I've had my favorite shelves decorated for a few weeks now. Won't admit it at all. ;)

Speaking of fall, I want to make these felt ball acorns for my Thanksgiving shelves and these gold leaf pumpkins for our porch after our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. I am loving this porch and this porch for inspiration. I'll let you know how it turns out!

F O R   M O M M A S

This open sleeve maxi dress is so beautiful and would look really cute with a pair of booties. I am interested in trying these hi-rise jeggings (might need to be a try on in the store with these hips that don't lie), and am loving this striped peplum top. If only it was still in stock. Anyone seen something similar lately?

Cheers to Friday!!! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! XO 

p.s. And one last favorite if you are in need of a good laugh because you had just as long and rough of a week as I did, you can not go wrong with Carpool Karaoke! ;) You're welcome.  

Friday's Favorite: A Momma's Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

To a Baby's Momma

to a momma who spent all day rocking and holding me in her arms right after I was born.

to a momma who spent countless more hours in that rocking chair when I had strep and ear infections.

to a momma who probably changed  a lot of poopy diapers.

To an Infant's Momma

to a momma who let me sleep in the middle of the bed when I was too scared at night.

to a momma who made me soup secrets and cinnamon sugar toast every time I was sick.

to a momma who read stories to me every night before going to bed.

to a momma who gave me a brother to play with.

To a Teenager's Momma 

to a momma who stayed up until midnight making sure I got home safe on Friday and Saturday nights.

to a momma who held me the first time a boy broke my heart.

to a momma who was just as nervous as me to find out if I made the high school dance team and screamed with me when my name was on the list!

to a full-time working momma who supported all of our extra curricular activities.

to a momma who is the hardest worker I know.

To an Adult's Momma

to a momma who has always encouraged me to reach for my dreams and has helped support me through college.

to a momma I still call when I have a bad day.

to a momma who is the first to hear when something exciting happens in my life.

to a momma who helped put together the wedding of my dreams.

to a momma who I will turn to when I have my babies.

to a momma who gets more beautiful with age.

to a momma who his my best friend.

From a Momma's Baby

from a daughter who loved being snuggled and rocked.

from a daughter who loved that day in the rocking chair just as much as you did.

from a daughter who is SO grateful that you were her momma.

From a Momma's Infant

from a daughter who was a little handful and wishes she wouldn't have given you such a hard time.

from a daughter who loved it when you played baby dolls and kitchen with me.

from a daughter who hung on your every word about how you ate popcorn in a special way when you were a little girl (I wanted to be just like you). 

from a daughter who loved it when you held her hand in public so you wouldn't lose her.

from a daughter who became talkative just like you.

From a Momma's Teenager

from a daughter who could have been better about helping you around the house (i'm sorry).

from a daughter who cherished every piece of advice you ever gave me.

from a daughter who smiled every time she looked up in the crowd at a dance competition and saw you cheering her on.  

From a Momma's Adult

from a daughter who loves giggling with you.

from a daughter who misses you ever day and wishes she lived closer to you.

from a daughter who still looks up to you as her hero.

from a daughter who loves you more than you will ever know.

Happy Birthday Momma! Wish I could be there to spend it with you!

Friday's Favorite: SM

Since it is her birthday this weekend and she is just an all around amazing person, I thought I would share with you the woman who has made a wonderful impact on my life; my SM Edie.

Over the years Edie has been a special person to me in my life. She cooked meals for me, washed my clothes that I had only worn for a few hours (conserving was not in my vocabulary back then), proof read my papers for Honors and AP English in high school, and rolled my hair in foam curlers the night before dance competitions. She did the kinds of things that any mom would do that often go unnoticed or at least no given praise for. She has been to everything... piano recitals, dance competitions, graduation and yet those are just a few things out of the whole mile long list of others that I know I am leaving out. However, this list does not include the most important of all things she has done for me and that is she has always been my friend and someone I can count on to talk to. Whether it be about school, boys, work, friends, family... whether it be about happy moments or sad ones... she still always listened and often offered wonderful advice. Edie and my dad recently moved to Denver, Colorado. It didn't really hit me until I went home a few weeks ago and they were no longer there. I couldn't drop by to visit. It was different and I'm not a huge fan of different but I know they did it because it was what was best for them and their future. I know that I would do the same with a career opportunity that I couldn't afford to turn down. I must say that I am grateful for modern technology (cell phones, email, skype) that still allow me to talk to them. I can't imagine waiting a week to get a letter in the mail and never hearing their voices or seeing their faces. Modern technology definitely helps. I'm dying for Christmas to role around so that I can see them again

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDIE!!

you're 30 now right?!

30, Flirty, and Fabulous!!

Wish I could spend it with you but hope Denver does just as good of a job at throwing you a party as Boise would. I hope dad spoils you and makes it a day you will always remember because that is exactly what you deserve! Thank you for all you have done for me. You hold a truly special place in my heart. I love you.

Friday's Favorite: Generation Edition

I love Boise. I always have. Most days, I feel like Boise has everything to offer a person.
A safe community, great outdoors (skiing, rafting, boating, hiking, etc.), 4 seasons...
But there is one thing that Boise is missing... and that is my extended family.
Most of them live in small little place called Mount Vernon, Washington.
It is because of this that growing up I didn't get to spend a lot of time with my grandparents to hear funny stories from their childhood, or become best friends with my cousins, or spend the night at my aunt's and uncle's houses.
Living close to family is definitely one thing that Boise never had that I always wished it did.
Even though I live a ways away from them, I still cherish the times we get to spend together.

There are two people in paticular that I've been thinking about a lot lately and how much they have blessed my life. Those two people are my grandma's.

Meet my Grandma Sue.

(p.s. I really wish I had some non-wedding pictures to share of them but since it was the last time I got to see them, we are stuck with these) 

My grandma Sue is beautiful both inside and out.  When I was little we had a "take your grandparent to school day" and this lady right here is who I took.  I remember feeling so lucky.. not that I got to bring one of my grandparents to school but that I got to bring HER.  We even made the newspaper that day (I wish I had the article to upload and share with you) but it's currently tucked away in my childhood closet.  She is the kind of lady that genuinly cares about everything you have to say.  I think that is one of the things that I love most about her, she always listens.  Whenever she comes to visit she will sit and talk with me and always cares about every aspect of my life.  If there is one thing that I have always wanted to learn from her, it's how to sew.  She is an INCREDIBLY talented seamstress.  She seriously can sew anything!!  She raised my goofy dad along with his 5 other siblings and takes such good care of my grandpa.  She is an excellent cook.  She is an angel.

This next special lady is my GRANDMA JAN.

Doesn't she have such a cute smile?! She has also blessed my life in more ways than one.  The first and most important one is that she has always been there for me.  If you are a grandchild that lives far away from your grandma you would totally understand how exciting it is to look out into an audience at one of your special events and find you grandma there smiling back at you.  Almost every major event that has happened in my life, she has been there: the day I was born, piano recitals, dance competitions, graduation, and the most recent one being my wedding.  She is always concerned about me and wanting the best for me whether it be the best education, the best husband, or even the best health :)  She was a nurse so my mom would call her whenever I was sick to get advice.  She loves her grandchildren.  Whenever I see her she is always telling me all the wonderful things my cousins have been up to and how proud of them she is. I know that she says the same sweet things about me to them in return.  I swear she knows every "domestic" thing there is to know about being a wife and mother.  She would hem my mom's pants, cook all the meals, work incredibly hard, etc.  She is truly one of a kind.

I've always been told that I can learn a lot from the generations before my own, and it's true.  Both my grandma's have taught me so much. Not necessarily in person but by action. They are wonderful women and I love them very much.

Friday's Favorite

I LOVE FRIDAY'S!

they are my favorite

The EXCITEMENT I feel at the end of the day when I know its the weekend

The ANTICIPATION I feel while waiting for Nic to get off work

The ADVENTURES that are in store

and for many other reasons...

I also have another favorite

the people in my life.

I've come to realize that they are the ones

who keep me going when I have a bad day

who love me unconditionally

who sacrifice for me

who make me smile and laugh

who are EVERYTHING

It is the people in my life that I owe everything to.

SO on that note, I've decided to start

FRIDAY'S FAVORITES

A new tribute each week to the people I love

because I know that we can never tell the ones we care about enough, how much we truly love them.

Today I would like to share with you my adorable nieces...

ABBY

When Abby was born I was away at college. I remember coming home and meeting her for the first time. It was for her parents (my brother's) wedding. She was wearing this beautiful little white dress and looked like a little princess.


She went through this chubby stage and was so cute I wanted to squeeze her!


It is hard to believe she will already be 3 in September. It is has been hard not living in the same town as her. It was worse at first because she was so little that each time I came home I would be dying to see her and then she would look at me with this blank stare like she barely recognized me. For this reason, I love the age she is at now. Now she'll call me on the phone and it makes my day EVERY TIME. She has this cute little squeaky voice and says "hi Meggie" which really sounds like she is calling me Mickey. She has the cutest little personality. She has loads of energy and is so fun! She LOVES being outside and looks adorable in a swimsuit!

I love this little girl with all of my heart. I look at her picture every time I'm having a bad day and I instantly feel better. I live for the times when I get to go back home and see her. She is gonna be a little heart breaker someday :)

AVA

Meet my new little niece Ava. She is perfect in every way. She has the cutest little ears that stick out and a smile that can melt your heart in an instant. Just like Abby she changes so quickly and every time I come home I feel like I am meeting a new little girl. I was so happy I was home when she was born. I had never held that small of a baby before and I was terrified I was going to break her with even the slightest movement.

She is quite possibly the cutest little baby I have EVER seen. I hope my babies are half as cute as her someday.

I can't even explain how much I adore these little girls.

They are a precious gift in my life.

They make me so excited to be a mom someday.