Future conversations

I was sitting here, at my handmade desk (by my hubby) contemplating where to start, what to write and about what message I'd like to send. When I'm stuck I look around for inspiration. I see the snow quickly falling outside, a kitchen floor that needs to be swept & mopped, a stack of papers that needs to be sorted. I ignore the house chores and turn to the internet. I always find inspiration from the mothers that write blogs I follow and read as often as I can. I knew I'd find something great from these wise women. 

The few blogs I visit are interesting to me because they are moms and crafters. They are sensitive, real people. I relate to them. Their words pull at my mind and heart. In a way I feel connected to them…if that's not to strange…

One blog I follow is called Southern Disposition. I stumbled on this blog shortly after E was born. I was browsing the world wide web to see what other people were blogging about. And I found a blog that is a great afternoon read. I enjoy reading about the life this Mom leads. 

Today I went to read her blog and I found an amazing entry. You'll have to read it to know what I mean. She nails the subject of beauty; at least I think so. It made me start to prepare in my mind what and how I want to teach my little girl for the rest of her life. There are so many conversations to be had. I hope that I have the wisdom that this mother does as she tells her daughter we are beautiful in our own way. 

I know their will be good conversations, bad ones and a couple ugly ones too. I also know, E will trust me with what I say and the actions I take in showing her what the world is about. Everyday, I want to remember this. I want to take the time to see the big picture and say the right words to her. I realize the importance of my actions will imprint E and who she becomes. 

I know, it's deep. I'm definitely inspired today. 

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the topic of conversations with children, memories, funny stories, anything you'd like to share.

Keep loving. 

There’s nothing like writers block. I must apologize to my ever so interested and consistent viewers for my lack of writing. I've been tossing around several ideas for new entries and have come up short. Also, The Millers have been busy bees as family is in town for the week. But, I am making all efforts to keep everyone updated this weekend!

Driving to work felt wonderful this morning. First off, I was early. I dropped E off @ 7:50, R off @ 8:00 and was heading towards my destination (work) @ 8:05. How that happened? I am not quite sure. I've been cutting it close lately; two minutes too close so I moved quicker this morning. Secondly, as I was driving over the big bridge out of town I look over and the sunrise is absolutely beautiful. The sun was tucked behind the clouds just enough to wear I wasn't blinded by it but the light was blazing around the clouds creating purples, pinks, bright yellows and oranges in the horizon. Amazing!

Or maybe it felt wonderful because all though it is Wednesday it is my Friday. With the holiday tomorrow, I have a four day weekend. (Another perk of my office job.) And all though E woke up @ 2:00 AM and again at 5:00 AM to stay awake and play for an hour, I am wide awake. Waking up definitely took a bit more effort than usual. I had to pry open my eyelids and shove myself out of bed but none the less I survived.

I have high hopes for tomorrow. R has been talking about having smoked turkey for two weeks now, which he will be doing himself. I am looking forward to this. Can we eat already? Did you know Thanksgiving 2013 is the first official Miller Family Thanksgiving. Well, the first year we are hosting it anyways. And it is the first year Diane will be joining. I am looking forward to her baking tomorrow. And cranberry relish too. All day with our family (well the ones that can join us) will be a blessing. I will be thinking Maddi, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents that we won’t see.

While patiently waiting the smoked turkey feast I have been crocheting and creating like crazy. I am almost all set for the holiday market on Saturday. Please check out the details here. I am a fan of shopping local. This little market is a perfect place to start!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Keep loving.

The Beautiful People

The Cottage Garden Cafe. Quaint, sweet, cottage like dining room. Green garden, sunlit porch, fresh menu to complete the scene. Sounds charming? It is. This place, my first work place, is dear to my heart. This is the place I first learned of, "the beautiful people."

They were stunning. The mom, the dad and the two daughters. I thought they were perfect. Polite, respectful, generous, happy. Thinking back to the days when I'd bring them coffee and pancakes kind of reminds me of all the over-rates Vampire movies everyone is into. Have you seen the clips when Vampires saunter in with glistening skin and prestine features. Yup, it was kind of like that.

The man of the house had sexy suave hair. The Mom had such a sweet voice when she spoke to him. She was always dressed as if she were VIP. The two girls had, what I imagined was a perfect life. Their hair was a perfect shade of blonde. Their skin was tan and they wore the latest trendy clothes and had the newest electronics.

I remember wishing I could be like the beautiful people. Practically perfect in everyway.

On my daily commute to work, Friday morning I realized I am. (I know, how arrogant of me, right?... Keep reading.)

I didn't feel this as I looked in the mirror and found satisfaction in my reflection. I felt this when I thought about the love, joy, peace and happiness that surrounds me. It is the trust and compassion in my husband, the wonder and curiousity in our girls. It's how fortunate we are to be a family, to be together.

Ofcouse, then, I didn't realize or have the slightest idea why that family was so beautiful. But now I know. I realize, now more then ever its not the money you make, the clothes you wear or the color of your hair. It's not your appearance at all.

It's what is in your heart that makes you beautiful.

Keep loving.

Unplanned night off

It's Friday again. A beautiful Friday! The majority of the day we had a full blue sky, dotted with white puffy clouds here and there. The little breeze we had made sitting in the sun or even the shade just right.
I have an unplanned evening off. A co-worker asked for my shift and hey, who doesn't want a night off?

Edee and I visited with one of my long time good friends, Ali, today. We made a quick late lunch of cheese and crackers and salads topped with balsamic dressing and sat on her front porch. Lunch was delicious, weather couldn't have been better and the company was perfect.

Ali is back in town for the summer. She just spent 6 months way, way, far away (a.k.a. Washington). I've missed my buddy. It was nice and relaxing to catch up in between playing with Edee and hearing her son Lokk's stories. And what a cutie! I've sure missed his little voice and curiosity. He never hesitates to ask questions.

It is so nice to have my friend back. Her passion for beautiful things is inspiring. I hope we can enjoy our time together. Especially because I know it will won't last forever.

Tonight Ryan and I are taking the girls to the Splash Pad downtown. I have high hopes that Edee will love the water that shoots up and splashes everywhere. She loves water anywhere else so we shall see.

Surprise nights off are such a treat.

Keep loving.

Mombompop

As I am driving back, forth and all around our beautiful little town I am happy to see the trees full of bright green leaves, white blossoms and life. The sky was the most amazing clear blue today. I had my sunglasses on my face and Edee's white summer hat on her head before we even stepped foot out the door. Welcome back beautiful weather! We've missed you....almost.

Not only are the trees blooming but so are our allergies. I'm so sensitive when it comes to allergies, head colds or the like. And I am even more sensitive when these things affect my daughter. It might almost be worse seeing her eyes fill with tears and then drain down the sides of her puffy little cheeks, then having the symptoms myself (which I do).

Today the sneezing has stopped. I am thankful for this. Yesterday I was wiping her little nose like it was my full time job. Okay, being a Mom is my full time job so I suppose this is one of the job duties. I just couldn't let any of that icky stuff get in her mouth or up into her eyes. Because of the itchy feeling Edee sneezes and then rubs her nose and eyes, taking all that icky slimy stuff and smearing it all over her face. Oh yes, she was a prime example of a "hot mess." (Considering she was slightly feverish as well that term works pretty well here.)

Luckily the doc was able to see her today and confirmed that what she is experiencing is, in fact, allergies. I suppose I can, once again, be thankful that it's not a cold, or worse. So, I will play Mommy and Nurse 'til the pollen in the air settles.

In the mean time, Edee is being such a cuddle bug. She hasn't been sleeping well so her little swing from Grandma Diane has come in handy yet again. I'm glad she still fits in it.

Speaking of which, she is up on her hands and knees, rocking back and forth now. She has made one attempt to lift a hand and reach forward. Other than that she seems rather content with the rocking.

And she says mama, baba and dada. Some times all mixed together and it comes out mombompop. :) I could just squeeze her. I honestly can't get enough of these baby days. They are disappearing so quickly.

Keep Loving.

We did it!

We took the plunge! Sealed the deal. Tied the knot. How ever you say it, we got married! I want to shout it atop a mountain. Because it feels that amazing. There is only 1 other day in a womans life when they choose to give there heart and soul, all their love and life to another person (giving birth). And I've made it to one of those moments.

The day was everything I could have hoped for. The weather was what they call indian summer. Blue sky, bright sun rays beat down on all the splendid colorful trees. A light breeze plucked leaves from their stems and scattered them about.

I remember seeing all the faces of people that made me feel loved, lucky and beautiful as I walked down the aisle towards Ryan. Everyone I care about was there.  And some of them drove all the way from Texas to be there to see me join my life to Ryan's.

And wow did he look amazing. This man that I've known for not even 2 years amazed me on our BIG day. There has never been another person that has shown me more love, compassion or respect then he. He truly made me feel like a princess as our dream came true.

The food, music and events that followed the ceremony were just as wonderful. I was in such happiness and excitement that I barely finished my dinner. Our amazing friends made toasts to cheer to us, we signed the marriage license and then the dancing started.

Every little detail that we planned, from the father daughter song, to the stitched heart on the ring bearer pillow, made our dream a reality.

And of course I cried. For happiness ofcourse. Which before this I dont think I ever really have done.

I think I am still on cloud 9. The act of giving your entire self and sealing the promise to Ryan has made me a new person. And to have Ryan, with all his heart and soul, do the same, with no regrets, no second guesses, gives me such joy. I let all the little bothersome things fall away. Nothing is as powerful as love. In any form, love wins.

I have yet to find a way to thank my friends and family for what they have done for me. I feel that their is really no gift or act that can compare to how much they listened, supported, planned, stressed and were just there for me. I am so thankful and blessed to have wonderful, caring people to call friend, sister, mom, dad, cousin, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa. I love you all so very much. Thank you for helping make my dream a reality.

Keep following fans because theirs so much more this new wife has to explore!

PS. Photos are yet to come.