Wednesday, September 21, 2011

High-Low-Woah

Many moons ago I was a camp counselor. I spent scorching summers in a wigwam with a new group of 12 preteen girls singing songs, making friendship bracelets,  roasting things, blobbing, teaching life lessons, and playing high low each week .

At the end of each evening--as I was tucking my girls into their hannah montanna sleeping bags we would debrief the day by sharing our high's and low's and major woah's of the day. To the girls it was a fun way to end the night giggling over the funny moments and complaining about the evil faced french fries served at dinner for the 4th night in a row. To me it was all those things--but  also a way for me to gauge the girl's experiences. Were they having fun? Growing in their faith? Homesick? Making new friends?

I loved this time.  Although each group of girls changed week after week I always felt bonded to the girls during this time. We connected. We shared. We built relationships.

Fast forward 8 years ::dang, where do the years go?:: I'm no longer living in wigwam (raise the roof) but I'm still craving connections and relationships. I still enjoy daily reflection and giggles over the humorous moments. And I still love sharing.  Here's my high-low-woah from today.

HIGH
Finishing inventory for my show. WHOMP!  The high of accomplishment. I'm rolling outta here Tomorrow with 30 necklaces, 60 headbands, and 20 pairs of earrings. That's a lotta handmade right there.  I can rest easy tonight.  **fingers crossed** HIGH!


LOW
I haven't eaten healthy in a while.  My pants feel it. My self confidence feels it. I know what to do--but garsh darn it.  LOW 

WOAH
Driving home alone in my car ( hello, RARELY happens) means LOUD BOOMING BELT IT music in my Nissan. Today Beyonce was my choice.  Rolled up to a stop light singing my bootylicious heart out and pounding my hand on the steering wheel. I don't know what it is, but I get SOUL when I'm in my car. The soul quickly vanished when I awkwardly met eyes with the car to my left and he LAUGHED at me and shook his head. Deflated and hot with the tinge of embarssment yet determined to finish the best part of the song--I continued and luckily the light turned green.  WOAH.

Share your high-low-woah with me? I'd love to hear. Not just sayin' that neither. :)



I'm off to Market tomorrow!!  I'm so excited. DREAM come true--feel like I'm bout to ralph (do people still say that?).  Can't wait to show you my finished booth set up.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Two Years Ago {I became a mother}

My daughter will celebrate her 2nd birthday this week . How quickly yet slowly the time goes. It's hard to remember a life before Lilly--yet holy cow how can she already be two?  I've never written about the day of her birth--seriously? I know.  So to appease my nostalgic and weepy "mah baybee is olld" side I'm sharing with you a letter I recently wrote to her. I want her to know about her day--from me before I forget the details. 

In honor of the girl who has given my life a glorious purpose and the person who drives my every decision, and gives my blonde head gray hairs on a daily basis--first I want you to know that I love you.

Your birthday was planned. Your dad and I picked the day you would be born. That another detail that makes you special and unique.  You were spirited and headstrong from the beginning. Refusing to follow fetus 'norms' you didn't want to enter this world like most babies. You required an even  grander  entrance--in an operating room with me, your father, a glorious anesthesiologist, two doctors, and three nurses ( one of which was a brand new intern that would've given me a heart attack had I not been drugged beyond worry).  You  were breech--which means you were dramatic--and you have not waivered from that; even two years later. We picked September 25th. I always knew that you'd be born in September regardless of your October due date--the same way I knew you were a little girl from the moment we found out you were on your way.   We chose a Friday to have you so that  all your family and friends could meet and love you over the weekend.  Everyone came to see you, Lilly.

Friday morning at 4:00 am  your dad woke up to an alarm that we set the night before. I went to bed expecting to be up ALL night filled with anxious feelings and kicks from you. Surprisingly, I fell right to sleep and awoke feeling ready. That would be the first and last time I would EVER feel ready for anything related to you.  :)  We showered, packed Scott's bag ( mine had been packed for 2 weeks already even though we knew the exact date you were coming... I'm a control freak) took a quick video of  me getting ready, and drove to the hospital. 

The morning at the hospital was full of nervous laughter, hugs, and a jittery soda pop feeling in my stomach. We were so anxious to meet you, Lilly. Your nana, grandma, grandpa, aunt angie, uncle john, and aunt holly were all there. Aunt angie even made  tshirts. They wore them proudly. You've been a BIG DEAL for a long time. We prayed in the PreOp room. We prayed for your safety. We prayed for me and your dad. I was praying that I could be brave. I knew I could be brave for you. One day, when you're older I show you how big that needle was---massive Lilly bear--MASSIVE.  You were loved before you were born. 




I walked into the operating room at 7:30 am, which was weird. I would walk in as a 26 year old young woman and roll out as a mother and family of three. The doctors got me ready and joked the entire time. I was very scared--but I knew that I would soon hold you and that made everything feel better. Your dad was with us. He held my hand until you were born and then he held you. At 7:57am you were born. Everyone in the room was talking but I remember your dad speaking softly to me and saying "She's here Laura. She's beautiful and perfect. I'm so proud of you"  The doctors took special care of you.  You were folded in half for 9 months--your feet were up by your ankles.  It took you a while to realize you could finally stretch out--but you eventually did and that made me feel a lot better. Your dad never took his eyes off of you.  It was instant love and hearing your dinosaur screech cry was the most perfect sound. Looking back it's funny because you love your "Dinoooos" now. Your dad got to hold you first and he brought you to me.  My heart was full and overflowing. You were perfect.  I couldn't speak and I couldn't control the tears. Lilly you brought joy to our lives that day and you still do. You still screech like a dinosaur at times. I loved it two years ago. Period.


They placed you in my arms and wheeled us to our new room. Nurses were asking questions but I don't remember any of them.  My focus was you.  I couldn't believe you were mine. One day lilly you are going to love Christmas because of the presents and surprises. You won't believe me,  but having you was the most perfect gift I have ever received. You are a gift Lilly and Santa could never give me anything better. I was so excited to introduce you to your family. I took time to redo my hair and freshen up my mascara. The nurses took you to clean you and place a yellow bow in your hair--a special request from me. :)  We gussied up.



The rest of the day was filled with nothing but love. Everyone snuggled and held you.  You had a perfectly round head--a fun effect of being born via c-section.  Your dad gave you your first bath and you screamed your head off. It took him several weeks of just watching me give you a bath after that because he was afraid he was hurting you. You could really scream--drama, I say.

The events of the day you were born are etched in my memory.  You are amazing--sweet girl.  Thank you for being my daughter. It is so much fun to be your mommy.



I'd love to say I'm super woman and was up walking, showered, and dressed the same day after having a c-section.
Alas my cape had not yet come in and this was before leaving the hospital on day three. 


Thanks for reading!

Friday, September 16, 2011

a little thick {this week's little things}


I CLUNG to the small stuff this week.  I found myself thinking--yes, this is a blessing. Small--but a blessing.  Five days of a very sick little one forces you to cling. Five days of a sick little one a WEEK before your first show---forces you to cling.  So cling I did. :)  and it helped.  A LOT. 
My guy does the dishes--every night.

I was reminded this week of the  TEAM my husband and I are.  We kick arse. We owned this virus turned infection in our little one.  My guy is amazing and always steps up. I don't deserve him--because I'm selfish.

Antibiotics.

Something I take for granted.  When someone is sick--you take medicine--you get better--life goes on.
But everyone doesn't have that luxury. I was reminded of this while I was grumbling in the drive-thru pharmacy on my way home from school. I was upset because I had a car in front of me and a crying baby behind me.
Ungrateful much? I could pick up the needed medicine to fight off an infection for my daughter without. leaving. my. car. CRAZY--little ones die everyday because they don't have access to the medicine needed.


Coffee and a HOT MESS.

It reminds me that I'm tired  and messy because I've been loving on my daughter and taking care of her needs.

Next week I hope to not be so deep. Cause I feel like I was a little THICK tonight. :) I find joy in appreciating and acknowledging the little things.


Linking up with Lindsay. Inspired reading to start your weekend off right.



Aisle to Aloha

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

roMOD--what it is,and why you'll love it

I'd like to introduce you to my newest headbands!   They are what I like to call romod{romantic/modern}.I love the way they make a statement yet are not over-powering. They are for the girly girl--whether she's little, big, or in between. I was really inspired by layered flowers of varying textures-satin, chiffon, felt, crepe, and cotton.  Oh, and lace--duh. I have a love affair with lace.






I hope you like them. They will be making their lillypie debut at my *first* show here in a few days! Once I see how they sell and receive feedback I'll be listing these little romos  in my little neglected shop. I just *know* they are gonna make momma proud!


Friday, September 9, 2011

It's the little things

It's  the little things that remind me how blessed I am.  It's easy to get bogged down with the stressors in day to day life and completely ignore the moments that make you smile. Take this week for example--LOOVED the Monday off; but I've felt like a blessed headless chicken the rest of the week cramming five days worth of work in four. Yesterday was also a very emotional day for me. The kind of day where the Lord reminds you He's in control and the only way you'll survive is to rely and trust in Him.
{last fresh strawberries of the season}
{garden picked zinnias from a former student}


Plans to help and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

 
 I'm going to join Lindsay and document my "small things"each Friday.  It will be a way to reflect on  little blessings and help refocus my thoughts heading into the weekend.

Aisle to Aloha






What little things reminded you that you are blessed this week?

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Trend to Try {braided hair}


My glitter has worn off which means it's time for this gal to try a new trend! I loved glitter nails!! Did you try it? Did you love it?  I'd love to hear about it.  I did notice that after removing the nailpolish/glitter my nails were a bit discolored {eewwww}. I chalked it up to nails suffocating because of all the glitter and that I rarely have polished nails. Did your nails do that? Or is it just me....{awkward.......}

The trend I'm trying is definitely NOT NEW---it's been around for a while and has sustained--which tells me that it's worthy of learning how to do! I've been  dying to teach myself this hairstyle since the Laguna days. Lauren Conrad's hair has been amazing since 16, no?!


I think the reason I love it is because of it's romantic and undone (but done) look.  I love it because it provides a solution to the "yea, let's try the side swept bang!" mistake I repeatedly make at the salon.  And I *might* also love it because I feel pretty when I think I kinda look stylish. :)

I've tried previously with ZERO success--always ending with hands thrown in the air, hair in knots, and mutterings of "I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THIS!!!!!!!!! DANNNGGGG IITTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!"

Recently after watching this tutorial  from I Am Momma...Hear Me Roar, I tried again---with SUCCESS!! I admire her for teaching a girl who was flying the white flag in defeat how to french braid her own hair. Thumbs up to you, Cheri! 

I did this tutorial and now braid my bangs all the time.  I find that my hair works best and looks the best when it's dirty with dry shampoo added to absorb the next day grease. Okay, that might be the real reason I'm loving this trend---adding 20 minutes back to my precious sleep time. Fine. I said it.
No, I don't have blue hair.
Have you tried this trend before?  Do you feel like Lauren Conrad?  Did a hot guy named Brody follow you home?  Amazing!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Display Inspiration {{and an embarassing photo}}

September 22, 23, and 24th are MILESTONE days. I'm doing my FIRST BIGGG SHOW!! ****Lillypies for everyone!!!****  I'm so excited.  and kinda nervous. and occasionally feel like I'm going to ralph because of the work that still needs to be done....but I'm excited.

I've been doing a lot of research pinning lately of ideas for my display. What did people do before pinterest? Laundry, yard work, dishes ..oh yea. bluah. moving on....

I want my booth to feel like your dresser. Where you add your finishing touches before you rush out to greet the day  (or snot-faced toddler..whatevs.).

//photo credit//












Your dresser area doesn't look like an anthro display? Neither does mine--here is where  I accessorize......





How embarrassing! A girl can dream though.....  Can't wait to show you the display!! And if you're local!! I hope to see you there!!!