waiting for a little more summer

So the weather has been undeniably beautiful in SoCal recently.  BUT it has not quite been beautiful enough for me to go diving into a pool or hit the ocean yet.  That could be in large part because I'm a wuss when it comes to cold...like really a wuss.  =P

Let me tell you though - in Arizona, in 100+ degree weather, water is your friend.  And we were in Arizona two weekends ago for a cousin's graduation and spent a bunch of time with family.  Especially since not many family members had seen Hito before this trip.  I had to share some of these pics because Hito got to see another great-grandma.  =)  Bad news is that Great-Grandma has been in and out of the hospital twice since we were there two weeks ago.  =(  Prayers would be appreciated!

 He is still getting the looking at the camera thing down.  =P  Since it was so stinking hot, we chilled in the pool with everyone for a while and got a few cute shots of dad and kiddo in the water.

yup, that's my stylin' baby.  =)  Grandma N. found the floaty and I got the glasses at Target.  Shortly after this picture, they came off.  =P

 Have you started any summer festivities yet?  I am starting to get my calendar out so that I can get bbqs planned!  I am planning on sharing some of my summer recipes - be looking for it soon!

Have a beautiful day!

A little contemplation...

Today is Memorial Day.  And every year I think about the men and women who have faithfully served this country in war and peace.  But this year is different.

As I read the stories of heroism and bravery in the face of death, I am afraid.  Truly afraid.  My brother could be one of those stories soon.  Whether he is one of the men who lives to tell his story or whether others have to tell it for him remains to be seen.  But the people you hear about, read about, who gave their lives so selflessly for their country required a sacrifice of others also.  There were families of wives and husbands, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, who survived their soldier and now with pride and heads held high tell their stories to you.

What am I trying to say...I'm not sure.  Perhaps it is just to admit the very real fear that is starting to make itself known as the date for my brother's deployment grows closer.  A fear that I may be one of those people telling stories.  But even as the fear becomes more apparent, my prayers grow stronger and longer and more fervent to the God who keeps all His children in the palm of His hand and at the center of His will.  I know in whom I have believed and I am comforted with the knowledge that my brother does also.

This is what I am trying to say: keep listening to those stories.  And when you have listened, pray.  Pray because there will always be more stories to be heard and more families in need of comfort from the Great Comforter Himself.

My brother is on the left with his new bride (my new sister!).  Please keep them in your prayers.

back to the grind

So...I have (obviously) not posted in quite a while.  But rather than going on and on about how I have meant to blog (and obviously haven't), I thought I would just give you the reader's digest edition of my life this past month.  And there will be consecutive posts elaborating on some of the more interesting happenings. =) But it is good to be back and look forward to seeing my readers around the interwebs!

• Brother's wedding (pretty big deal and lots of pictures to follow)
• Play dates with Hito and friends
• Good food
• Beach time while in Hawaii
• Good food in Hawaii
• Spending three weeks in Hawaii (technically 20 days but let's make me feel a little better and pretend I had another day)
• Friends having babies!
• Lots of inspiration for jewelry 
• More good food...... =P
• Hito rolling all over the floor
• Also, he is eating solids really well now
• Read all three Hunger Games books (my review to follow)
• Good friends getting married
• And lots more stuff that I will share with you in posts that are coming to a computer near you!

Have a beautiful day, everyone!

wedding frenzy pt. 3

So it has been a little while since I did a wedding frenzy post mainly because I have been getting into the frenzy and have hardly had a moment to breath much less post about it but I did want to share some of the exciting things that are going on, so I am forcing myself to take a little mental and physical break and do a little post about everything that has been going on!

In the very first wedding frenzy post I did, I mentioned that I was designing invitations for my brother and soon-to-be-sister-in-law's wedding but never actually showed you guys what they turned out like.  Without giving too much away (because the designs keep going throughout the whole wedding), I thought I'd give you this little peek.  =)

aren't they cute as stick people?  =)

Besides my brother's wedding, another dear, old friend of mine is getting married later in the month.  She was not able to find a veil that matched her gown so she asked if I wanted to undertake the challenge. I said yes and it has been a journey.  =P  But it has been a great task and I am working on the final project now but I thought I'd show you some of my practicing.  Did you know sewing on large beads to a porous fabric can be tricky?!  =P  But the earrings are coming out great that I am doing for her bridesmaids.  You'll get a post on that later.  =)

these look almost nothing like the final flower that we decided on but I figured the more I practiced, the better.

And now we are 18 days away from my brother's wedding, 11 days away from my flight back to Hawaii, and 10 days to finish up all my projects that I am still working on for them!  So I better get back to work!

Have a beautiful day, everyone!

six month musings...

Yes, folks, it has been that long since I have made an appearance on this blog and I apologize.  I have realized in my absence that I miss the people whom I have come to call friends through this humble little writing/life outlet.  So from here on out, you will be hearing from me much more regularly.  Especially since there are some pretty exciting things coming up in my near future!

But the point of this post is a little thoughtful reflection on my short time as a mother.  My little one is six months old today.  It feels like a landmark of sorts.  (I'm sure we all remember how important half birthdays were when we were young too.  The older I get, the more I am trying to forget birthdays and just enjoy each individual day but that is another post altogether.)  It feels like we have gotten through some of the hard stuff, have gotten to know this little person, and am ready to tackle the future as it comes to me.

I doubt there is anything that any mother loves more than watching their children grow.  Regardless of what the growth looks like, it is a mother's pride and joy to know that they have contributed to the development of this once baby but quickly growing person.  Man, if I am this nostalgic at my baby's half year birthday, I'm going to be a wreck when he gets older.  =P  Here are some of the things that I am savoring, remembering...thanking God for...each and every day.

Whether we are trying new tastes or finding all the facial muscles God gave us, this little one is making Corby and I two of the most blessed parents alive.

Have a beautiful day!

(P.S. If you watched the video, he is licking/sucking on a pineapple core.  He's just like mommy - we both love sour. =P)