Penelope Ann's Baptism

This weekend we celebrated Penelope's Baptism. It was a wonderful celebration shared with friends and family at my brother's house in Spring, TX. I enjoyed meeting my niece for the first time, and sharing the Sacrament of Baptism with her. She is so sweet, and my time with her was not nearly long enough. Luckily, I was able to snap a few photos along the way, to take home with me. I hope you all enjoy her smile as much as I do!

Anneka's First Birthday!

 This weekend we celebrated my God-daughter's first birthday. It was an absolute gorgeous day spent with her friends and family. I am so thankful to be a part of this little ones life. She brings me so much joy and happiness. I am also thankful for her amazing parents who let me be involved with special days like today.

Above: The birthday girl spending time with her daddy.

Below: Anneka and her God-father, Jeff, enjoying the weather.

Anneka was so lucky to have her Grandmother fly in from Peru to celebrate her first birthday!

My gorgeous baby had so much fun at her birthday party! She wasn't exactly sure about her rocking horse but I am sure she will warm-up! I can't wait to teach her how to ride a real horse someday!

I made Anneka a special first birthday cake topped with delicious berries. The cake and cupcakes seemed to be a hit with all the little ones.

How cute are these kids? I mean seriously, my friends make some cute babies! Oh and also, I found out two of my friends are expecting again! I am so excited for their growing families.

Happy first birthday Anneka!

Liberty, Justice and July Tabletops

 

There is something about this patriotic time of year that makes me want to read more, watch television less, and get lost in meaningful conversation.

My July tabletop was centered around bright red apples paired with a blue checkered table cloth.

I adore all things patriotic and my table makes this known.

It is the perfect place to sit after a meal and attempt to solve all the world's problems.

 

Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known.
-Ronald Reagan

 

A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

Piece of the heart.

My favorite part of Junk Bonanza is finding things I am passionate about and bringing them home as if they were my long lost possessions. The beauty of antiques and collections is that they speak volumes to people's hearts. I recently found a quote in a home décor magazine that hit home for me, it read,"Do not worry about style or trend, collect what you love and the rest will fall into place."

 

One of my favorite vendors at bonanza is Mimi-Toria's Designs. I never seem to leave the booth empty handed. My first piece that I purchased years ago was my "Free Spirit" necklace. I once had a guy tell me that his favorite thing about me was that I was anything besides complacent. I liked this, and it has stuck with me throughout the years. While some days, especially those as of late, I feel anything besides free spirited. However, I know that I have that wild fire inside of me somewhere. Whenever I put this necklace on I feel like raising a little hell and letting go of all my cares.

 

This past year I could not help myself, I left Mimi-Toria's with two amazing pieces that have already been used and loved so much. The "Aim High" necklace brought tears to my mom's eyes when I purchased it. She recalled a movie where a dying father stated those last words to his son, and she couldn't imagine a better message to pass along to your children. It was so beautiful, and being a country girl, it spoke to my heart. However, while my mom was set on me getting this piece I had already fallen in love with another necklace, "Forgiven."

 

Hands down my biggest battle in the past several months has been forgiveness. It is a work in progress for me and involves a lot of faith and reflection. The crazy thing is that I know that I have God's forgiveness, but I struggle with self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others. I love when I wear my "Forgiven," necklace and I instantly think about the love and warmth I get from Christ.

 

While visiting with the creator of my necklaces she mentioned that she often prays that her jewelry finds the correct person. I feel like each time I am leaving her booth I am leaving with something that I cannot leave without. It is a wonderful feeling and I am thankful to have found so many pieces that that I am head over heels in love with each day.  Please visit Mimi-Toria's blog:

 (http://mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com/)

 

April Tabletop- Happy Home Opener!

 

Every month I decorate my table for a season or event, and with the beautiful weather this weekend it can only mean...spring is here and so is baseball!!! Some of my favorite childhood memories involve baseball so I figured I would re-create those fond memories with Cracker Jacks, Big League Chew, and baseball cards. Now if only my older brothers were here to trade cards with after we open up all the packs, the night would be complete.

 

 

 

 

In honor of the our Minnesota Twins home opener tomorrow I made some baseball cut-outs for my co-workers. I hope everyone enjoys them!

My Baby is Three!

This weekend the love of my life turned three! He flew in from Florida and I was lucky enough to scramble over to see him Friday after work so I could give him a bath, read his bed time story, and tuck him into bed. He is the sweetest little angel and I loved being able to kiss him goodnight and say his prayers with him. 

Saturday morning we celebrated his birthday at his Aunties house, had lunch, played with his cousins, and spent time with Grampy and Grammy. Grammy made delicious train cookies and we had BLTs for lunch.  We sang "Happy Birthday", and Ari blew out his candles with a big smile. We spent the rest of the day playing trains, and toys until it was well past nap time. I loved being able to hold my baby, with his head on my shoulder as he was ready for a nap. I gave him a kiss goodbye and he flew back to Florida early this morning. It is still so hard to let him go after a weekend together, and my poor husband has to deal with my tears whenever he departs! Thankfully, he should be back in May so the count down is already on again! When I was doing laundry today, I pulled a toy car out of my pocket and it brought a smile to my face, nothing replaces the feeling of having a little one in your life and your heart. I am so blessed to share my life with him. 

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The Kid, The Splendid Splinter, Teddy Ballgame, The Thumper, The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived?

I finally have a little piece of one of most favorite baseball players of all time, Mr. Ted Williams! My love for him was rekindled when I read a short piece from Esquire (1986) called "What Do You Think of Ted Williams Now?" it was written by Richard Ben Cramer and it was also included in The Best American Sports Writing of the Century. In the article, Cramer captures the heart of the athlete himself at his home in the Florida Keys, where Williams spent a large part of his time fishing and living his life by his own rules. 

 One of my most favorite qualities about Ted Williams was his wild-fire passion. Whether he was taking on the media and fans in Boston, deep sea fishing, or flying fighter planes, Ted always lived for the moment. He often times came across as a jerk and rude to the public, however, in paradox, he did spend a large part of his time giving generously to charities and visiting sick children. Either way,  it's hard not to  love someone who lived their life with such intensity! He is an absolute favorite of mine. 

Of course, I love Ted Williams because he has a hometown tie for us Minnesotans as well! He played for the Minneapolis Millers and quickly became a star! At one point he had a twenty-two game hitting streak while here in MN! In 1939 even though there was not yet a "Rookie of the Year" award, Babe Ruth himself declared Ted Williams the ROY. The Kid, went on to be the last player in Major League Baseball to bat over .400 in a single season (.406 in 1941). This is the record he is most known for today. Clearly, Ted Williams is one of the greatest hitters of all time.