The Alamo

A few weeks ago some family came to visit, and it was a delightful.  This day we went to the Alamo, had lunch on the River Walk and had a delicious dinner. James' grandma brought strawberries from her California garden and they were like bits of sunshine in my mouth. They blessed us with dinners and games of Scrabble. I laughed a lot. I feel like I got to know them all a bit better and I am so blessed to have them in my life.

Two.

On Wedding Blogs

I was perusing a couple old friends' wedding pictures this weekend and noticed something I think is a little disappointing. In my search for ideas and themes, colors and details for my own wedding I immediately turned to the places I get inspiration for many other areas of my life--the blogging community. I feel about them the same way I feel about my friend Jessi, both have fantastic and original ideas I would not in a million years think of. I poured over pictures of beautiful weddings done by hand, pulled together out of vintage antique shops.

And now I'm noticing--so is everyone else.

I've processed through it a bit, and have come to a few conclusions. Most of the most fantastic wedding blogs are all linked to each other, making them accessible to the masses. Though the ideas are marvelous, what do buttons say about a couple? How do mason jars make any difference? At the end of the evening will anyone care about the initials carved out of wood, the succulent plants on the table or the feathers in her hair? My opinion is, nope.

Gorgeous as they may be, they mean nothing and say nothing about James and Ashley.

I promise you this: the things that do matter to us, that tell our story will be present. Letters, books, words, poetry. Color, creativity, and photography. Garden flowers. Fun. The evening will reflect our unique heritage, our love for art, for great food and wine. Carrot cake. It will be small and intimate because our closest friends and family are most important to us. There may be tea, good music and laughter.

And at the end of the night, we'll be married. That's what I care about most.

My Parents

I miss my family. Plain and simple. My parents are some of the funnest people I know. They backpack, go to concerts, snowmobile, ski, go to Nascar races, have fantastic music taste, fish a lot, explore the mountains, go four-wheeling, love the ocean, and enjoy great food.

Living in Texas makes it hard to spend time with them. I miss them like crazy and can't wait to see them again. In all of the changes in my life I am so thankful for their love and support.

Aren't they so cute?

Just for Fun

DIY: Birthday Cape

The one-year-old I live with is turning two this week. Something he is both excited about and proud to share. Browsing through Toys R Us today I wasn't really satisfied. So I pondered to this idea instead. 

What you'll need:

About two yards of fabric.

Matching thread.

Scissors.

A sewing machine, or a lot of patience.

Pins.

A white pensil.

 I started by taking one of his shirts to measure his shoulders and neckline. Then drew the cone shape for a cape from there. It can be as long or short as you want, I used a ruler and the center crease in the fabric to make the sides even. Pin and cut. 

 Next, cut a second color (if you want the inside to be different). I used the first cut as a template. Pin the two together and cut. To make the cape heavy and sturdy, I used one piece of blue and two pieces of yellow. 

 Sew around the edges. If you are using a patterned material remember to sew the right side facing the inside so when you turn it inside out it faces correctly. Also, I left the neckline unsewn so that I could turn the cape inside out and also to add ties later. 

Once you turn it inside out pinch the edges together as close to the seam as you can and pin. This will keep it from looking like a pillow case. Sew all around the edges again. I used a zig-zag stitch. 

Ties! Cut two long pieces of material and fold the

 edges in to each other. Next fold the piece in half 

so all the raw edges are on the inside.  

 Pin and sew the two ends first, then 

go back and stitch along the edge 

(or down the middle with a zig-zag). 

 Fold the neckline down into itself so the raw edges are tucked away. 

Pin them there. Tuck in the ties at each corner of the neckline. Sew. I used yellow thread on the blue here, just for fun. 

Add a letter, some buttons, some stars or paint on hand prints! 

The possibilities are endless, and honestly 

I just thought this up in my head so be creative. Ta-daa!!

Happy Birthday Levi!

If Only..

I learned a few days ago that no matter what the paper, the radio, or your neighbor next door says, clouds in Texas only mean one thing--

shade.

Afternoon

I'm at the library this afternoon. I love this specific library because it has an open courtyard in the middle, huge vaulted windows that look out to it, and open up to the sky. There is so much bright, alive, happy, wonderful light in here. On my left is an open field and an ivy covered gate into the courtyard. I'm obsessed with windows. Also, I'm surrounded by books.

Have I ever explained to you how much I love books?

Climbing

This morning I got up with the sun.

My eyes almost stayed closed but the sun peeking through the window reminded me of the adventures awaiting. My friend Jaime invited a few of us to go rock climbing this morning, and as we hiked down to our challenge my feet were happy, my heart content.

Lines, carabiners, the smell of worn leather, chalk, fresh air, nifty shoes, laughter, clips, old backpacks, straps, dirt, rocks, encouragement, the cool of the day--all set to U2 playing as our soundtrack.

As the early morning sun drifted through the trees I scurried up the rock face and got almost as high as the boys. I love to repel back down--falling slowly, knowing you're hooked in.

Climb on.

Sneak Peek: Ian and Courtney Pierce

 Ian and Courtney were married June 18, in Dana Point--the day was beautiful. A backyard that overlooks the Dana Point Harbor in a garden full of family. This couple is so much fun and I have so enjoyed getting to know them over the last year. I love their matching rings, as well as how the day so perfectly reflected them. Also, lavender makes me melt and I loved how she used it. Congratulations you two!