7 Things on The 7th of October

 1. 11 years

Today I celebrate 11 years of marriage to my man. 11! Last week I was shocked that E is 10 and now I am shocked all over again that it's already been 11 years since we said I do. The way time seems to disappear makes me want to hold on to every single moment that much tighter. This year we plan to celebrate with dinner together; simple and just what we love: time together. 

2. Curly Hair

We had a break through with Edee's hair that feels revolutionary! After my sister recommended using some sort of product for curly hair I turned to my curly haired friend and asked her for recommendations. Introducing Cake the The Curl Friend, some very useful tips on how to manage curly hair (something I've never had to do) and ta da! No more fights, yelling or upset child. I was excited to find the hair product on sale at Rite Aid, which was cheaper than Amazon's price. Woohoo! I also grabbed some mousse and my curly haired friend gave us leave in conditioner. E is going to be all set.

3. Ugly Love

I just finished my 14th book of the year - Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. Yes, I am a fan! I just added this book to my top 5 favorites list! I highly recommend the book. I read it in less than a week, which is a new record for me. Most of the time I am the caboose in my Book Club, finishing the book last but this book, which I read outside of the club with a friend (my curly haired friend in fact) was so good; the words, the descriptions, the story line, the ending - all of it. I finished it in less than a week.

4.  Speaking of book club...

I love love love my book club or as we call it The Mama's Reading Club. I enjoy the chatter about books, the food we share, our discussions and also catching up with the ladies on life stuff. I also really like that some of us are reading even more books than we ever have before. The more we read, the more we want to read. It's amazing! 

5. My Crochet World

I am currently on a yarn buying hiatus. I have limited myself to using only the yarn I have. I say 'limited' but honestly, it's been rather inspiring and freeing to choose from the colors and weights I have at home. Plus, I am saving money. During this hiatus I have found a love for creating book cozies. Each one turns out different, which makes them one of a kind! It's so much fun selecting each color, crocheting them together and watching the cozy come to life. I think in some ways it's an art form.

6. Work-a-versary

Yesterday I celebrated 9 years at Michigan Insurance Group & Strategic Consulting with my team. We had Panera (still my favorite) but today is my official anniversary. Again, looking back, time seems to disappear. I am enjoying my job still, probably because every day is new. Learning new things about myself, the team and the industries. It keeps things interesting and I am never bored! 

7. October

October is my favorite month. It's full of celebrations, if you couldn't tell! And change. The biggest change is the seasons. My drive to work is changed because of the rainbow of colors along the highway. The yellows, oranges and reds are glorious and at 5:00 the colors beam. It's truly a sight to see. Anniversaries and birthdays are reminders to reflect on how far we've come, how much we've grown. It is a perfect reminder of how lucky we are to have what we have.  

October Memories

Wow! October sure was a treat. I'm partially sarcastic in that statement. We spent part of the month trudging through difficulties and part of the month making sweet sweet memories. 

I'll be honest, this month was far from perfect. It's my absolute favorite time of year and I craved that dreamy fall oasis and color tour feels that just didn't happen. 

I wanted to sneak up North on a mini getaway, as we traditionally do this time of year, but that didn't happen.

On the other hand I have a whole 31 days to look back on. 31 days that had special moments, hidden between the chaos, that I'd much rather share with you.

On October 2nd Edee turned 7! Yes, holy guacamole my favorite girl has been on this planet and blowing our minds for 7 years. She has grown into such a well spoken (sometimes a bit snotty) little girl. Her wits and creativity surprise me daily. This month she most looked forward to her Halloween party at school and has asked me every day this week, "How many days until we dress up?" 

She's gone from loving Pikachu to Barbie to Toy Story 4. Keeping with the Halloween spirit she watched Goosebumps on repeat. She's soaring in school above and beyond. I couldn't be more proud. She's also grown in the making friends area too, something she has struggled with since school started.

My second favorite memory in October, or maybe the first, that I hope to never forget is waking up on the morning of our 8th wedding anniversary to find my kitchen table set up like a fancy little restaurant. I stood in the kitchen my heart flooded with love and happiness so surprised at Ryan's creativity. The flowers, wine, fondue and 'Reserved' card was such a thoughtful, simple, beautiful surprise. I am so thankful for the value and commitment he places on celebrating our life and love.

 

Making homemade caramel apples and Pikachu cupcakes together are two fun and tasty things we did in October. We were lucky to carve pumpkins with Maddi and her boyfriend too. Carving pumpkins with teens is so funny. The jack-o-lanterns turned out neat. Plus, we at roasted pumpkin seeds for weeks.

I found I made some small accomplishments in October too. I received a new wholesale order for Maiden Hands that included items I've never sold in stores before. I also dropped off beanies to Michigan Pantry, making it the very first store to carry my crocheted hats. I'm still over the moon excited about it. 

I've also opened a new door in the maker world with digital downloads to help makers manage their stock, supplies, orders and social media. I've been working on this for almost a year, wanting to help makers while utilizing my graphic design skills. It has been an awesome journey so far!

My October unfolded in a different way than what I imagined it would but reflecting makes me appreciate the steps we've gone through to welcome a new month. I appreciate all the little moments knowing life doesn't have to be extravagant to be filled with love and joy.

I could continue but, here I am 19 days into November and slightly behind on sharing my October memories. 

Keep Loving. XO

Party planning already.

Knowing that Edee's birthday is less than two months away is sending my heart into flutter mode and making me FREAK OUT!!! I can't believe my daughter will be one soon. Too soon. And even though it's hard to believe I am trying to get over the shock and plan a celebration of her first year. Maybe the focus of making invitations, decorations and wrapping her very first birthday presents will help me keep it together. Maybe. 

I'll keep most of it a surprise for the BIG day but I will tell you I am designing her invitations and have found the most adorable pattern for them. I plan on just running to staples to print them, which will be much more budget friendly than ordering the whole thing online somewhere. 

I'll also tell you I've decided on a theme: POLKA DOTS! 

I know I have to be very choosy with exactly how many polka dots I use when decorating as to not give all the guests secures when they walk through the door. But you can bet Edee and I will be wearing some form of them. I can't wait to shop for a blouse or scarf of polka dots. October usually brings perfect scarf wearing weather. 

I have a couple little events/games planned and party favors too. All this planning is kind of helping me look forward to the day; even if I am sad she is growing too quickly.

Feel free to check out my pinterest board for ALL the ideas I've collected.

Keep loving. 

So greatful.

Another week has gone by in the blink of an eye. The cool weather that has been rustling the Grand Haven trees reminds me of my favorite time of year. And I can't help but feel a little nervous (and very excited) when I think of October. I almost feel as though I should stop counting down the days til it arrives. Maybe then time will slow down just a little bit. Then again I have such anticipations for all that is on its way I wish it was here already.

October, this year, means so many things. Not only am I looking forward to Fall decor, autumn scented candles, leaves covering the ground, pumpkin patches and scarves. But the birth of baby E and our anniversary. These events will make this time of year a time to celebrate. I feel like a kid again. Eagerly awaiting what's to come. My anticipation makes me want to jump up and down (If only I could).

Everything is going really well with the pregnancy. Well, atleast I can't imagine it going much better. My chubby feet are currently propped up on my coffee table and my belly feels stretched to its limits. But, I'm so glad to be home, writing and resting. I've had a light headed feeling on and off for a couple weeks now. My midwife says it is normal, which it definitely doesn't feel like normal and other than getting lots of iron, protein and vitamin c I have to sit and wait for it to pass. So, I eat only foods that are rich in these vitamins and have much benefits to my body and the baby.

And speaking of her, as I always do: We are officially prepared. All thanks to the women in my life. Ryan's Mom surprised us with a beautiful crib. It will turn into a toddler bed and then a twin bed when baby grows out of that! My mom insisted the crib needed a bumper so we found an ordable bed set for $35 (originally $70)!! She also got me a baby book that I have already started filling. My sister, Kacey, knew of a thrift store that turned out to be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! She purchased a bassinet (for $20), which is the one thing I REALLY really wanted for the baby. And Trina found a car seat in perfect condition for only $35. Did I mention the bags of clothes we found. 10 outfits for about $20! I'm so glad my family enjoys thrift shopping! Without these excellent deals we wouldn't be blessed with as many adorable things for the baby. Now she just needs to arrive to use them all!

I want to thank all the people for their gifts, words and love. I'm slowly working on thank you gifts and cards but I want to tell those of you who have given your time and effort to us I am more than greatful. I feel rich because of all you have done. I know this journey wouldn't be as bright and wonderful as it is with all of you in my life. Thank you.

Keep loving.