The Circle

My sister, Leslie, asked the following question on her blog:

Who was the first person you knew (personally) with a blog?
&/or
Whose blog inspired you to start your own?

Here's my answer:

Nie Nie was my inspiration. (Our husbands are friends.) I didn't even know what a blog was until I started reading hers. At first, I thought they were kind of self-centered, but after a few months of stalking Nie Nie's super hip and ultra creative blog, and some not so subtle nudges from Mike, I started my own. Like a lot of you, I have a love/hate relationship with blogging. I still think it is kind of self-centered sometimes. But mostly I think it is a great way for my family (which is spread all over the country) to see my kids grow, and a place for me to expend some of my creative energy. Because of blogging I feel like I know all of my siblings and friends so much better. My dear friend, Mrs. Dub, was right when she said that blogs are the new tv. I could go days without watching tv, but without blogging? (gasp!) I don't think so. However, I am attempting to not let it take over my life. I am doing better these days.

Easter Preview

Yesterday the weather was fine.
I couldn't resist premiering the Easter outfits.

Special thanks to Target, for offering such darling clothes for my darling kids.

Bliss

6 years ago today I made the best decision of my life.
I married the most amazing man I know.
I love you, honey.

Happy Anniversary.

For a complete rundown of the big day, click here.

We Need You, Parker

Dear Parker,

Can you please move to Arizona and teach Oliver about super heroes?
We would really appreciate it.
You can see that we are in desperate need of your help.

Love, Aunt Stephanie

Please Consider Arizona

Dear Leslie,

As I know you will soon be making a decision about where to spend the rest of your life, I would like to present the following for your consideration:

1. We live in Arizona.
Now, close your eyes and imagine for a minute how nice it would be if we lived near each other. Seriously, are you imagining it? It would be heaven. I can't think of anything better.

2. Mabel needs a sister almost as much as Audrey does.
Since neither one of them will get a sister close to their age, they are their best shot.

3. It's a dry heat.
If you can survive the last 6 summers in Houston, you can definitely survive the next 60 in Arizona. It really isn't that bad, I promise! You get used to the color brown.

4. Free Babysitting
Not only can we start a babysitting swap on the weekends (for dates and temple trips), but I will watch your kids any time you have to go to the doctor, or get your hair done, or go visiting teaching, or go to the grocery store, or clean your house, or just need a break, etc.

5. Your Estate
Houses here are relatively affordable. There are large (1+ acre) lots within a minute of our house where Neal can have all of the animals and green plants that he wants.

6. Arizona has really nice malls.
Anthropologie, JCrew, you name it, we've got it.

7. Ruby's
Need I say more?

8. La Madeleine
And lots of other yummy restaurants.

9. Liesel
She gives killer weaves and cuts, while maintaining affordable prices.

10. A 6 hour drive will get you to the beach and Mom and Dad's house.
Laguna Beach, Mom and Dad, Annie, Jack, and Max. 6 hours is nothing.

11. The Temple
It is minutes away and very pretty. Did I mention the free babysitting?

12. The Church
It is very strong here without being everywhere.

13. The Community
It is nice, diverse, and regular.

14. A Lifetime of Happiness
If you don't want to do it for you, then do it for me. It would make me so happy!

Please, come visit and see what Arizona has to offer. I know I can't really convince you, I am just asking you to think about it. You can go anywhere in the country, so why not Arizona? It would be so dreamy.

Love from your sister,
Stephanie

Spread the Word

These are 2 of the finest people I know.

Their names are Josh and Lindsey and they are looking for their family.

Do you know someone who is pregnant and considering adoption?
Please look at their adoption profile here, just search for JoshuaAndLindsey.
They are amazing people and will be amazing parents.
Now, let's help them find their baby.

I'd Go Anywhere with You Valentine

I'm the luckiest girl in the world
because Mike is my valentine.

I hope you all find yourselves some love today, too.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Two Barefoot Mommas

Do you like Mabel's apron?

You can get your own here.
As well as other really fantastic things.

Tell your friends.

We're Ready for Hawaii

And we have the dress to prove it.
Only 4 more months and Mabel will be strutting her stuff in this in paradise.

A Shed is OK

But a barn? Well, that is just plain adorable.

(Did you notice those blue skies? It is a beautiful 78 degrees here today. Visitors, especially those from cold places, are always welcome!)

Our Problem

7 days, 3 doorknobs, and 1 huge headache later, we still have no knob for our newly painted front door.

Why can't these holes be an inch farther apart?
Why can't we find an attractive, pewter finish door knob that will fit?

Sigh.

(Don't worry, we put the original dead bolt back on between failed new knob attempts.)

Pants

See, Mabel really does own pants.

I was laying in my bed this morning with a throbbing headache.
Mabel wanted to get dressed.
I told her she would have to do it herself.
This is something she has never completely done on her own.
(She is kind of needy like that. Mike says it is my own fault, that I am an enabler.)

Anyway, since she can't reach the dresses hanging in her closet, she was forced to open her dresser drawers.
The inside of those drawers rarely see the light of day.

Lo, and behold, she found some pants! And turned them right side out herself!
I think she looks fabulous.
Pink really is her color.

And I am feeling much better. Thanks for asking.

I'm Sick

I can't take it anymore.
I am giving in.
I am going to the doctor.

image can be found here