Happy Friday

Today started out with a migraine! 

My mind was racing since I walked out of Davids Bridal yesterday afternoon with my dress in hand and my ultimate FAVORITE... DREAM wedding shoes back in the box to go back to the store! 

Yep. I had to return my royal blue heels back to Macys because they are TOO HIGH for my dress! I wanted to cry! I want to wear heels. I want to wear my royal blue heels that were absolutely perfect size and perfect color for my wedding. It's all I wanted... I literally bought them a week after I bought my dress! Which was about 8 months ago. I wanted to cry!!! 

So I ended up staying up late, waking up in the middle of the night because I had a horrible wedding disaster nightmare, and I feel like I am officially BRIDEZILLA. Which led to this mornings helluva migraine. 

I was trying to focus at work but all I could think about was my wedding to-do list! New shoes, bridesmaid gifts, details... Decorations... You name it. 

Well, after work today Lennon and I went to the mall and browsed... More like power shopped... for new wedding shoes and bridesmaid gifts. 

I found these... I tried them on, they fit! 

I walked around in them and they sparkle! I don't LOVE them... I like them.... A lot! They don't even come close to my dream wedding heels but let's face it... We all win. Dan won't be shorter than me, my feet will not be throbbing by the end of th night from 4 inch pumps and I will SPARKLE. WIN? I think so! 

Lennon and I did out shopping, found shoes and bridesmaid gifts and even had time to spare so momma could buy new leggings! Ran into my dear friend Liz and chatted for a few, and then came home to my man who got out of work early!!

I'd say it ended up being a pretty happy Friday! 

XO

Fall DIY Project

 

What I LOVE most about FALL is ....

1. Cider

2. Donuts

3. Hoodies

4. Boots

5. DECORATIONS!

6. Projects to make decorations that are CHEAP!

 

Here is a SUPER SIMPLE DIY project that will have your creative minds wandering and working over time. There is so much that you can do with a wine bottle. If you're like me you have some empty ones lying around... right?

Step 1: Take an empty wine bottle, clean it really good and peel all stickers/labels/goo off the bottle and dry really well.

 

Step 2: Buy some chalkboard paint. Rust-oleum is my fav. but you can really get away with a $.97 can of spray paint from the store too. The chalkboard paint will coat better and last longer, FYI.

Step 3: You will need to coat the entire bottle a couple of times. Wait for the first coat to dry well, usually about an hour in between coats. Make sure you get the top of the bottle as well so its real color isn't showing through.

(This is where spray painting them would work well).

Step 4: DECORATE! Once your bottles are dry you're ready to grab your favorite chalk and decorate away! I am so excited to make more of these!

Helpful Hints:

• Wrap some twine around the top of bottom of your bottle to give it some extra decoration
• Use white chalk, it shows up best!
• Use your finger to hold onto the bottle while painting it to ensure you are getting the bottom rounded lip as well.

Happy First Weekend of Fall!

A little late but... Hey, it's been a crazy Monday! This weekend was amazing! Friends, family, wedding registry shopping, pumpkin farm which of course included apple cider slushies and cute photos with Lennon!

We had friends over Saturday night which was great! We made chicken tacos, and then made this amazing dessert! 

"S'mores Dip" AKA "to die for dip"

Mmmmm!!! 

Here's the recipe for all of you s'mores lovers like me! 

Sunday morning hanging out with my little Lennon was so fun. We cuddled in our big cozy bed and played! Lennon even learned how to drink out of a water bottle like a big girl! 

Look at those chubby cheeks! So sweet!

Lennon went to GG's house, or as she says , "mayama" for Grandma. Seriously so cute. She had so much fun playing with Maci and Byron and picking pumpkins from their yard!

Dan and I went to Baynes for Lennons second time! She had fun! Drank almost all of my cider slushie and had a donut and even tried my chili! 

Baynes... Although I HATE the owners with a passion, has the cutest little set up for family photos!

Look mom, a pumpkin!

Look, mom.... I want the ugliest one!

Haha... She is too funny! She wanted the biggest, ugliest pumpkin there!

My ultimate favorite photo! She's SERIOUSLY so funny! :) love her!

My mom and I went shopping for Bridal Shower invites and decorations! Decided to go with a fall theme and pretty invites! 

I can't wait... Sneak peek! 

And... We even got daddy to help seal all the envelopes and Lennon helped too!

Amazing family weekend together! I love fall, I love my family and I love love love wedding planning! 

More to come...

What is LOVE

Love is one of those things... an indescribable feeling of overwhelming emotion, a warmth in your heart, a passion in your soul.

Love is the feeling of holding my daughter, squeezing her so tightly as her cheek is pressed against my face and she's snuggled up on my chest dreaming. Love is the warmth of my fiancées hand holding mine even when we are just hanging out on the couch late at night blogging or browsing the internet like tonight. Love is knowing you have everything you need right here at home and in your heart. 

I visit my family and I cuddle with my brother, I hold my baby sister, I laugh at Lennon & Maci while they play and my mom and I crack up at the noises they make and the fun dance moves they have. 

My dad and I talk about money and life lessons, while our babies play quietly in the other room. My family is complete. My world is complete around me and I am content and I am happy. 

That is LOVE.

I held my daughter while she fell asleep tonight and while she was cuddled up on my chest I kissed her cheeks so many times I lost count. I whispered so many I love you's in her ear and snuggled her so tight. Love is holding your child near your heart and hearing their small breath's and feeling their heartbeat on your chest. Love is knowing you created that bundle of joy, bundle of happiness and knowing all of your world is in her. Love is feeling her hand grab mine when I lay her down to sleep. Love is rocking her so softly, watching her sweet face snuggle into me. Love is looking into her eyes when she smiles and gives kisses. Love is knowing she's all mine and what created her was LOVE! 

Love is knowing you're a mommy. You're a parent to a child who will need you, love you, learn from you, teach you, guide you even when you're guiding them. Love is being that rock for them, being their soldier, their best friend and their shoulder to cry on. Love is knowing when to try harder, give up and take a step back. Love is knowing you're everything to them and they are everything to you.

Love is being a great partner, a soulmate, companion, best friend and loyal lover. Love is being the glass of wine at the end of a long day and a movie on TV with cuddles on the couch. Love is being the breath of fresh air when being a mommy is too tough. Love is being a rock in your relationship and knowing when to say, I'm sorry. 

Love is there.

In all colors, shapes and forms. In all depths and heights of the world. In every corner of every part of your day, love is there. 

Sometimes we take it for granted, look the other way and sometimes we just ignore it. But if you really, truly look into love you will find an overwhelming feeling, the feeling of passion and the feeling of warmth in your heart. 

I love my man, I love our daugter and I love my family... More than anything in this world. 

A Time to Weep and A Time to Laugh

Today was a day to remember, pray, laugh and cry and most of all be around family, and friends that all had something in common. We all loved one man... as a Husband, a best friend, a soulmate, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather and even a great-great-grandfather to two young babies. 

My grandfather was a great man. Hearing stories shared today at his funeral I cried, and held my fiancées hand. I had a hard time listening to the memories. Not only because I miss him, but because I wish I had more time to spend with him. He laughed and played with us great-grand kids when we were little and would enjoy camping trips with us too. I was too young to remember too much but the one thing I cherish most and remember most about my grandpa was his love.

It was a real love that he had for others and especially his wife. They were perfect together. Sitting around in the garage tonight listening to my grandma tell stories about her and grandpa made the love come to life again. They did everything together. One of her stories was about them cleaning the basement together. They cleaned, and scrubbed the floors and then she smiled and said, "and then we would stop and kiss for a while". They had a kind of love anyone would cherish forever. 

I admire them. I admire my grandfather for being a strong man, a hardworking man, and a loving husband. I admire my grandmother for being a caring, compassionate, honest and loving woman. She jokes, she laughs and she loves everyone. 

In my life I want my love to be as strong as theirs, undying, true and real. I want to live each day together, holding hands and kissing when we clean. I want to love our children and grand children, and more with the best love there is in hopes that someday they will say these things about me and my soon-to-be husband too.  

I love you Grandpa Baker. 

&

See you when I see you.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."

Ecclesiastes 3

Nights Like Tonight

I'm over being a mommy...

I have dealt with poopy diapers, poopy walls, poopy crib, poopy bathtub, pukey crib, sick baby, bumped head, skinned up, fallen down, YOUNAMEIT, I had it covered until... 4 molars at ONE TIME?! 

Okay , that takes super woman. At this point I need a glass of wine but I'm pretty sure once I pour the glass the bottle will be gone and I can't do that before L's bath time. 

I'm going crazy...

I can't sit down without her tugging on me. I can't stand up without her grabbing my legs. I can't pick her up without her wanting down, I can't sit her next to me on the couch without her squirming and jumping off. I can't give her an ice cube, she doesn't want it. I can't give her any more ibuprofen, she has had a dose already, she doesn't want a Popsicle, doesn't want a frozen water bottle, no paci, no cuddling, nothing! We tried the bath tub... Her FAVORITE place in the world... She cried. THE.ENTIRE.TIME! 

(Insert ear piercing screaming)

I'm sure all you fellow moms out there are thinking... That's what you signed up for. You're a MOM! And, you're right. I get it, I know. This just down right, flat out... sucks. After the weekend I had and the day I had at work and the migraine that is lingering all day... I could use a break from trying to be super woman. 

I feel so bad for my little Lennon. She's tired, miserable and doesn't even know what she wants. I'm finally feeding her a bubba and snuggling with her favorite blankey. Fingers crossed... This might do the trick. 

Tomorrow is a new day and she will wake up happy!!

Goodnight world, this crazy mom is pouring a glass of wine! ... And maybe I should dig into this book. Hell, I should probably drink the bottle and read this whole book TONIGHT. 

Happy, Monday. Thank God it's over. 

XO

Beautiful Memories

My weekend has been rough. A man very dear to my heart and very influential in our family has passed away. 

Saturday I got the news that he was not doing well after being admitted into the hospital early that morning. Our entire family was reunited at the hospital to gather by Grandpa's side and say our I Love You's, give hugs and hold hands. I stayed up at the hospital with family for most of the day sharing memories with Aunts and Uncles and cousins and having some laughs by his side as he lay in bed holding my Grandma's hand. 

Grandma and Grandpa had a rare love. A love you don't see much of these days. They shared an undying love for each other that was so kind, true and real. They smiled at each other, they held hands every time they sat next to each other and they were best friends. I admired their love since I was a little girl. Growing up around them laughing and holding hands, I wanted a love like theirs. They were the old couple you pictured in movies still hugging, and kissing. 

As I left the hospital Saturday I knew it may be the last time I see my grandfather. He laid there unable to speak to me, unable to look at me but I grabbed his hand and leaned in to give him a kiss. I told him I loved him very much and squeezed his hand. It was so hard for me to let go. I wanted so badly to hang onto him forever until he woke up and said something funny, or said, "okay, yeah... Love you too" in his groggy, old man voice like he always used to. 

Grandpa passed away this Sunday morning. He went peacefully with Grandma and his children by his side. 

He was a great man who would do anything for anyone. He devoted his life to his wife and his family. He made an impact on my life tremendously and he will never be forgotten. 

I love you, Grandpa

Grandpa holding Lennon for the very first time. He loved her and kissed her and told her how beautiful she was. Lennon smiled right back!

Happy Fall

LABOR DAY WEEKEND; noun.
The end of the long hot summer and the beginning of the much anticipated, cold, favorite season of many, FALL.

IT'S OFFICIALLY HERE! 

Fall. Fall. Fall.

Football has officially kicked off, pumpkin spice latte is officially at Starbucks, apple orchards and pumpkin farms are open, new fall scented candles and decorations are placed around the house and rainy, cold sweatshirt-blanket-fuzzysock weather has begun! I am SO excited!

Why FALL is my FAVORITE season?

1. Candles, OMG. I am obsessed with every fall candle scent Yankee Candle and Bath&Body Works has. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin from Bath & Body works is my new fav next to my all time fav from Yankee, Macintosh. MMMMM-Delish.
 

2. Cappuccino's, Latte's and Hazelnut flavored coffee. There is something sweet about waking up in the morning and having a hot, spicy pumpkin latte or hazelnut dark roast. I am so in love. Although, it's not the best thing for this new diet we are trying before the wedding but, it's something neither one of us can give up. TODIEFOR.

3. Cute clothes. YES! Finally, jeans, sweatshirts, boots, coats, scarves, hats, mittens... Okay, I may be getting too far ahead of myself here. But, Pinterest knows me all too well when my favorites is filled up with cute clothing options to add to my wardrobe for this fall season. Now only if my bank account would catch the drift.

4. Cuddling. I am so obsessed with grabbing the fuzziest blanket in the house, cuddling on the couch with some popcorn and a coffee and watching movies. I am sitting on the couch as I type this with sweats and a baggy t-shirt, the windows open and a cool breeze blowing while my fiancé anxiously waits for the computer... because I am hogging it, like always... ha. I love it!

5. FOOTBALL. Yes, I am THAT girl. I always am, aren't I? Hmm... Well, I am THAT girl that LOVES football season but hasn't a damn clue what's going on during the game. Although, I try. I like to think that my dad taught me a lot something throughout the years. I love wearing Michigan and Lions apparel, grabbing a cold Coors and watching the game with family and friends on the weekends. It's my MOST favorite time during the Fall season.

6. Pumpkin Farms and Apple Orchards. My favorite memory as a child is going to the pumpkin farm with my mom and dad. My mom and dad would walk with my brother and I out into the field and we would pile the pumpkins in my dads arms! All you could carry flat rate$ HECK YES! I would pick out the pumpkins with the cutest curly stems and fat round little bodies, and Ty would pick out the most ginormous pumpkins they had in the patch even if they were green and muddy. We would always end the day with warm apple cider and fresh donuts. Those times were some of the best memories of my childhood. To this day I love going to the orchards and pumpkin farms with my family. We sit around having warm apple cider and fresh donut flubs, my moms favorite, and talk about family.

7. HALLOWEEN. It's coming, soon! Fall means that Halloween is right around the corner and I can't wait! Lennon is going to go trick-or-treating this year for a little bit and I still have to find her a costume, but nonetheless she will be cute!

8. Leaves. Silly, right but I love leaves. The colors are beautiful and when I was an artist I would love painting with fall colors that matched the leaves on the trees and colors in the night sky. Autumn is a beautiful time of the year!

9. Scarves. I own quite a few scarves but you seriously can never have too many! They go with EVERYTHING! Brown, black, green, stripes, polka dots, you name it... I got it. I am slightly more obsessed with scarves than... well ... everything!

10. Fall arriving means that my wedding is FAST approaching. 3 more months, friends! I know I shouldn't be in panic mode but I am. We have SO much left to pay for, to DIY and to plan but... ONEDAYATATIME,KAILA. I remember to breathe and that it's all on Etsy and I am okay.

11. Had to sneak this one in... HOMELAND SEASON 3 starts soon! YES. If you haven't watched that show yet, you need to. Dan and I are OBSESSED. I think obsessed is an understatement.

Okay, Happy Fall friends!