Mall Walker

This morning, I woke up with a determination to exercise. I've been feeling so crummy physically and I know the main lifestyle choice that ALWAYS makes me have more energy and spunk is working out. I quickly thew on my work out clothes while the thought was still appealing to me.

Well, this morning it was freezing cold outside, so outdoors was kind of nixed.  I wasn't going to let that stop me. I was going to put my New Balance kicks on, gosh dang it, and go walk. So, to the mall I went, tugging my little toddler with me. It kind of hit me that I was going to be a mall walker today...maybe even all week or forever... Ha. I always prefer being outdoors but, on cold or wet days the mall is a great option.

I found myself subconsciously establishing my pace and my "lane" with over 2 dozen sweet elderly ladies and gentlemen, who could definitely out walk me any day and, a few moms sprinkled here and there. Most of the obvious mall walking veterans were so sweet and gave me warm smiles. But, after a few side glances from others, I wondered if I needed some sort of initiation to join this club. ;) Sorry guys, don't mind me, the new girl. All in all, it was awesome. I walked at a brisk speed for about an hour then afterwards, rewarded myself with some shopping at baby Gap with christmas gift cards. Little boy decided to take a nap for the better half of our mall excursion, which let me shop with full style and deal brain in force.

Cheers to mall walking and many more days of it! ;)

xoxo
Jess

Lief's Round Up Birthday Party!

My beautiful friend, Sarah threw the sweetest birthday party for her little boy Lief's 3rd birthday. It was all cowboys and indians, mini drum circles, and a big ruckus of smiles and cupcakes! Samuel made a little video of the day and I'm SO excited it is done!!! Yay! The song Sam used is the new single, "Obey Your Guns" by Matrimony. You can download it free HERE.  (Who just got signed by Sony Records, by the way! Wooohooo!!! )  Enjoy!!! 

Cowboys and Indians - A Birthday Party from Forest Lake Media on Vimeo.

We Will Survive!

Double pink eye, cold, infection...this little boy has been having a rough time. Thankfully we just finished with the puffy pink eye business, but now his last 2 molars are throwing a fit. haha. We will survive! ;)

The past couple of weeks, our days have felt like one bug after another being fought off. Stomach flu, double pink eye, and an assortment of colds... I'm in hunker down mode, stuffing our faces with vitamins and supplements, while trying to comfort whoever is sick (I'm in that batch as well.) ha. I tell you what, I never appreciate my simple healthy days like I should until myself or one of my sweet ones gets sick. I've gotten some sweet notes and comments from you lovelies asking where I'm at. I've been here, being nurse, mommy and patient. 

My sweet husband, is THE MOST AMAZING guy ever! Ladies, when I started getting sick this man tackled an extremely long grocery list that involved several stores and weird ingredients without a plight. He even brought me flowers and was super Mr. Mom for several days, all the while waiting on me hand and foot. I really dislike being sick, but one bright thing that can happen is the wonder of those you love shine a little louder and sparklier. <3

Sam has some really exciting things going on with his business that is just sending my heart over the moon. And there are so many things I'm excited to share with all of you beauties about this year and our plans! It's going to be amazing!

One of my best friends is having a big birthday bash dance party this coming Saturday! (90's hip hop) A group of us girls are going to bring it with an AMAZING hip hop routine. Watch out. I've been so sore from practicing and shaking my booty,  then getting a stomach flu on top of that. I am worn out. BUT, it's gonna be SO dang awesome!!! I might put myself in quarantine to make sure I DON'T catch anything else that would block me from the dance floor! ;) Just kidding. No, but really, don't you sniffles and headaches even THINK about it! ;)

I know this is random, but have any of you NOT heard about The Pioneer Woman? This amazing California girl who met, fell in love then married a cattle rancher. They moved out in the middle of nowhere and now she is the super of all women. I'm serious. She is one of my new heroes. Cooking, photography, blogging, homeschooling...the woman does EVERYTHING amazing. I tried my hand at making one of her most popular recipes, chicken tortilla soup. Oh.My.Word. You just need to check her out. ;)

On sick, or yucky days, you won't really find me on my blog. But, you CAN and prob will find me on Instagram (boho baby bump) , Pintrest and Twitter! :) You can connect and stay up to date with little bits and pieces of our day that way. I hope you all have been having a fabulous January!

Lots of goodness and cheers to no more sicky bugs!

-Jess

Flash Back: New Year's Week

3 Years ago today, Sam and I were two long distance, dating love birds. These pics are from the first time he flew out to see me. It was so dreamy and it was also the last New Year's we spent together. Each year since then I've either been out of state in CA or he's been working. Can't wait to finally kiss him when the clock strikes twelve this year. Call my cheesy, I don't care. I'm getting my kiss. ;) SO much has happened since these pictures. It's been a whirlwind of love. Here's to the future and enjoying the moments in front of us.

Our very first picture ever taken together. 

Washing the dishes together, for a long distance couple is a cherished moment. haha.

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas! I can't wait to tell you about ours. It was amazing... :) What are you planning on doing for New Years? Are you going out? Staying in? 

Stockings Anyone?

Yesterday was a long day of tidying up, rearranging furniture (which I do pretty frequently) and finishing the last bits of wrapping and crafting for Christmas. I pulled another all nighter, staying up way past 2am. How did I do that all the time when I was in school??? Ugh. My eyeballs feel like awfulness and I have slumber party stomach. Haha. BUT, the fruits of my labor were all worth it. I made super sweet and simple stockings for display and use. Most of the presents got a lovely repurposed wrapping. Check out my friend Jessie's blog post on being a Gift Giving Ninja! Click HERE. She's the one who got me started using old books and magazines for cards and wrappings. 

Then pretty much all of today was spent at our kid's Christmas party hosted by Jessie. It was amazing, crazy, loud, sweet and just out right precious. I have really amazing friends and I love them so SO much and I LOVE their kids. It was so much fun watching them open their little surprises, make a Christmas craft and spill cheese puffs everywhere. ;) Sam's folks and Grandparents come in town tomorrow so you can probably suppose that I'll be up late again. With that in mind,  you can comment on instagram or twitter to keep me company into the wee crafting hours of the night. ;)

said goodbye to these little beauties today...they went to sweet homes. :) 

Micah bean opening her present! Jessie created the SWEETEST gift ever with a  vintage suitcase filled with shoes, a little purse, dress hat, even a wallet with her own custom driver's license and laminated photos of all her little bff's! eeeee! 

an AMAZING gift from Jessie, a set of 4 vintage mugs, a sugar bowl and cream pitcher...they have yellow poppies! oh Jess, I KNOW how special this is! I LOVE them SOOOO much!!!! 

A Midnight Post.

On our way to go on a date with our main man! Oh, notice my new favorite necklace? I've had that button for years and decided I wanted to wear it. The tangerine embroidery floss I chose has been my inspiration color lately. Isn't it lovely? Going on a date with no makeup, and a scarf to cover mega greasy hair, isn't my ideal image of a romantic night, but hey, I was in the car right? ;) 

Káel started it. 

My pretty friend Lauren got me this beeeeautiful mug for my bday. I so enjoyed sipping my coffee from it tonight. (I love sweet mugs btw)

Yes, it's almost midnight and YES, I am doing a big chunk of tomorrow's list tonight. And YES, I'm blogging about it right now. Who says you can only post your blogs in the morning? So much goodness happened tonight that I want to write while it's fresh and my mind is still for a sec. ;)

Sam took me out to eat, after work, at a super nice eatery. Káel was pretty much an angel, and afterwards we walked around my favorite mall. It was very holiday-ish. I'll admit it, I love being in the mall at Christmas time...as long as I'm not in a rush. I will say, I had a melt down right outside urban outfitters for about 10 min. All of a sudden my perfect date and shopping time was overwhelming and impossible, as I thought of all the things still on my list to do.What am I doing here?! I have sooooo much to do. No, grab the moment and enjoy this Jess. You won't remember that list 5 years from now but, you will remember this sweet, festive time with your boys.  Oh Jess, your sudden melty moments are laughable just hours later. Like I said, the drama didn't last long. With sweet smiles from Sam and a successful hit at the Gap...It was all better. ;) We knocked out THE LAST bit of present shopping! YAY!  I had a  big cup of strong coffee once we got home. And now I can't stop my motivation to conquer this messy bungalow. We have cozy, merry movies on while we work. It's fabulous! Hey, I even cleaned the bathtub and toilets you guys, and was happy about it. Ha. Impressive.

Well, I'm going to go check off a few more things on my list! Less to do tomorrow. And you know, it's kinda fun to stay up late and wrap presents, clean the house and drink coffee. It makes me feel like I've got a secret...sssssshhhhhh. Don't tell anyone. ;) I have to grab these super festive moments and run with it when I can.

-Jess

Merry Christmas!

Tirzah Photography

Only 5 days til it's Christmas you guys! Ah! My world is a swirly world of lists and to do's as the count down dwindles. We didn't get our xmas cards out until yesterday this year! haha. Today I stopped in the middle of the craziness, against my better judgement and took Káel to a play date with friends at a bouncy house place. I was feeling so bad about having non stop Mickey Mouse and Little Einstein feed going in my house so I could get things done. Poor little boy has been cooped up and needed to let out some energy. :) We had so much fun! He is completely worn out now and I'm getting to work!  Tonight I'm finishing the last of our presents, stockings and wrappings! Tomorrow is full on cleeeeeean the house day. ;) Didn't I just do that last week?

Merriest of Christmases to you and your family this year loves! I pray you enjoy every moment and are surrounded by more joy than you can handle! 

Peace and Love, 
Sam, Jess + Forest Káel

Sparkles and Christmas Time

We are spending Christmas at our house this year. Sam's side of the family is coming down and so it's put me in hostess mode...which you know I love. Did someone say party? Hmmm? It's bittersweet for me though because,  it will also be the first Christmas that I haven't been with my folks at all. But, I'm trying to count my blessings and be a cheerleader for myself to stay in the holiday spirit. I have to say, this year is my favorite as far as holiday decor goes. I have never been more pleased with my stitchings, and merry crafting! I need and want to take some pictures with my legit camera and do a proper tour, but if for some reason I don't get around to that, I wanted to share my instagram moments with you! :) 

No fireplace in our new little home means my lovely piano acts as mantle and music  piece. ;) 

That huge role of brown paper from my wedding has been drug out of the closet and put to good, stylish use for wrapping presents this year! yay for sewing paper! 

Fresh greens are my faaaaavorite! 

Cozy, cozy, cozy! Who wants to come over for hot chocolate!!??

Yes, I'm onboard the burlap craze. My mom got me started a couple of years back. I had found a bolt of this green burlap at the thrift store for $3 several months ago. So, I thought I'd make some rustic Christmas merriment for my couch! Gold metallic spray paint and cheap stencils from Forest boy's birthday....wallah! Pillow wonder. ;)

More of the same burlap, rope twine I already had, same stencils, same paint...a snip, snip here and a few stichings there-bam! Holiday bunting. Can I just keep these decorations up all year long please? 

My bargain/thrift obsession never fails me. 

I've had way too many fabulous ideas this season! 

Free People inspired stocking project. 

My tree skirt is raw burlap and heavy rope from Lowes. (Also from Káel's bday party.) I've probably spent $20 bucks this year on decor. Re-purposed goodness. 

I made this ornament when I was up in the mountains with my girlfriends a couple weeks ago. We had an ornament craft sesh that was SO much fun. This is what I came up with. I'd like to have some kind of tradition like that every year. Make ornaments with friends. Little memories on our tree. :) 

Yeah...I've mentioned it before, I'm kind of obsessed with metallic spray paint. I mean, it makes life so much more fun you guys! Why put a plain jar on my table, when I could have a festive GOLD one that took 2 min. to spray!? I love it. 

Those two books to the right of Forest boy have been my main source of color inspiration for my decor this year. An old ivory and gold hymnal along with a green, gold and rope color edition of Robin Hood. Little man has been enjoying all the lanterns I have out. He always brings them to me like he's found a treasure. ;)

Happy Christmas you lovelies! I hope you are enjoying this week before the big sparkly day with as little stress as possible. I'm certainly trying to. It's been rough at times, but you know, joy and stress are choices. I'm trying to choose joy. As I sign off, I am reminded of the one gazillion things I have left to do. haha.

XOXO
Jess 

Dolls and Such

Hey loves, are you all gearing up for Christmas? :) I wanted to write and give you an update on my dollies. Honestly, I have had the hardest time being motivated this past month with losing our baby in the miscarriage and the emotional upheaval of it all. Normally, I would have just crammed and pushed past the deadline and made it happen, but not this time. I need to have quality of life in this very delicate time of my heart.  How many times on this blog have I said something is coming just to have it left open ended. Sorry guys. I'm realizing that I'm not the best manager of my time and when extra stresses come my way it is intensified.

Saying that, my dollie business IS something that is coming very soon and I have big plans for it.  I have a good amount already made and have tons more just waiting to have minor stitching and stuffings. But, for me to actually enjoy this Christmas I need to move the big opening of my store for after Christmas. I'm going to try and put the ones that are already made up on my etsy. But, I'm not sure if they could be shipped in time. I'm sorry for those of you who were hoping to get them for your kids by next week.

I'm VERY excited about my little creations and I LOVE making them. You will fall in love with them all when you see them! It's been kind of frustrating not being able to control the events in life, but a good thing that I've learned from time crunches and stresses is better time management for myself.

I hope you are having the loveliest time preparing for the holidays! I'm hoping to have a little Gatlyn Holiday House tour up in the next few days! :)

Thank you for understanding.

xoxo
Jess

Tunes & Such: Andy Squyres

My lovely friend, Anna posted this video of some friends of hers on her blog The Colorful Living Project last week. It couldn't have kissed my heart at a more perfect time.   One of my favorite lines is, "In winter I believe you, in springtime I see you..." tears well up in my eyes every time I hear them sing it.  The folks singing are Andy Squyres and his oldest daughter, which I think is pretty much the most precious thing. (I'm so looking forward to our kids singing with Sam and me.) As I woke up this morning and started playing this song for the countless time, I thought it might be nice to share it with you guys. :) You can find Andy's music on i-Tunes and follow him on twitter.

Thanks again for all the sweet Birthday wishes and your encouraging notes to us this past week, I've read everyone at least twice. <3 

I can't wait to share about my birthday weekend up in the mountains with y'all! It was magical! 

Hope you have lots of love and beauty in your day! I'm going to take up where we left off last night in decorating our little bungalow for Christmas!