Happy Birthday Mom.

PLAY.

I think my mom probably taught me how to play. And I think she encourages me to play even more now that I am a momma too.

She knows it is needed. And will never make you feel guilty for it.

Thanks for that Mom.

When I snapped this picture of her and Lily I was so, so happy.

1. because mom doesn't usually willingly let you take her picture.

AND

2. Lily was a gift to me that I didn't expect. With her I have more focus on things I missed out on with my first two babies.

I am not waiting to get that photo later. Later may not have ever come.

{When I snapped a photo of my mom holding Lily that weekend. I realized I never got one like that before.}

Happy Birthday Mom. Thanks for all the things you did when I wasn't looking.

And look how gorgeous you look!

Ari What?

Arigurumi.
Let's start this post by saying I AM NOT A CUTSIE person.
The bow is the first to go on just about anything that has one.
I do however like quirky things.
I will always root for the underdog.
I will usually pick the unexpected over the cookie cutter cute.
I suppose this is why I have recently been crafting these little guys.
I just sort of love them.  They are quirkycute.
I am not really sure how you pronounce it even, but that is what my basket of colors has inspired and It is oh so fun.  Here is my first one, a pirate,which I plan to send to my 3 year old nephew for Christmas.
And my 10 year old is even requesting one, so it must not be too cute right?
SO here is my quirky thing that I love today.  I heard My little bean whisper to the "monster" that she loved it.  So cute.
Happy  LOVE Thursday.  I have fallen off the band wagon once again.  Oh well.

quick grab your camera...

I don't care if you think this sounds cheesy. Truth is, I am finding more and more, when left to my own thoughts, without the bickering of my kids or needs of the day, inside the quietness of my own head, it is the littlest of things that make me feel happy. Things that most the time we are well, too busy to notice. I drove over the mountain a few days ago and was completely awestruck by the fog that surrounded its peak. It was breathtaking. It was mysterious. It was beautiful. It was something that made me feel happy to be alive. At that moment I believed if given the time, I could sit down and write an entire novel based on that fog. In those quiet moments the grass looks greener. The world seems better.
So lets play a game. Take a quiet moment (I know gals- it will really will only be a moment) Quick grab your camera and pick the first thing that inspires you. Throw it out on the grass and take a picture. Will it inspire you to create something extraordinary? Will it change your outlook for the day? Maybe it will just make you feel happy inside. Either way, don't you feel better?

Oh the wonderful things I am going to make with this basket of inspiration!