Tuesday's Tunes

This Thursday I will be one of millions of Americans (Lord willing) sitting around a table with family and friends, eating turkey and pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving. It will be a time of fellowship as we all catch up with each others lives. What a blessing to have some of my extended family visiting from out of town. It hasn't been since my grandpa's funeral that we have been together like this. What a blessing.

In one of our small local communities here in Ohio this month, a family will not be enjoying this blessing. During a rainy evening this past month a young family was driving home, went left of center and with a blink of an eye were taken to heaven. Mom, dad, two year old daughter and an unborn child that was due to be born not a week later. What a horrible tragidy that the family and community are dealing with. Losing all of them at once in such a horrible way. There will be seats empty at their table this holiday season. My heart hurts for them. It's just unimaginable. It's during these moments that I reflect on how fortunate I am to have most of my family together this year. (one of my brothers will be celebrating in Kansas this year) Thankful for all that the Lord has blessed me with this year. So many, that it would take me all day to list them. I know for me personally, I will be hugging my baby a little closer and cherishing my time with my grandma, parents, siblings.......you never know what tomorrow may bring.

During Thanksgiving I challenge you to think about the things which you are thankful for. Sometimes we get so busy with our lives and what needs to be done, that we forget to thank the Lord for his blessings. This song is so approapriate for this Thanksgiving season. I hope it blesses your heart as it does mine. Bing take it away!

Inspirational Wall

When Tom and I were in search of a house to buy. He asked me to describe my idea of a "perfect house." Of course I gushed and said I wanted at least four bedrooms, a beautiful staircase, a comfortable family room, basement for laundry, a kitchen big enough to bake pies in, a dining room of course (so we can have family meals) and I would love the house to have a 'red' door." He just rolled his eyes and said "of course, a red door." Since I have met Tom I dreamed of living in our own house, raising kids, having family traditions for the holidays, for the house to just feel "like home"...and that is just the feeling I get when I walk into my house. The Lord blessed us so much with such an amazing home (to us). And YES I got my red door! (It was fate I tell you!)

Since our big move to the house, I have been able to decorate (make my own) 2 1/2 rooms. It still has a bit of a ways to go. Seeing that we lived in a small apartment when we first got married, we don't quite have enough furniture to fit within the house. a lot of hand me downs and a bright orange couch that once lived in my grandparents house. But we will slowly get there. Next room to make our own is the living room. Leather couch or fabric? Bright walls or neutral? Themed, or eclectic? It will take awhile for us both to agree.

I want to show you one area that I am proud of, and that is my dining room. Tom and I spent a weekend painting it cherry red. I made some modern curtains and changed out the light fixture to an amazing chandelier that has lights and candles. (What ever you fancy) When traveling to the UK a few summers ago I was able to get some amazing photos. Some of them now grace my walls. Every day I pass it and it makes me think of the wonderful places we have been. The family history and traditions that the places hold. It inspires me and makes me happy. Do you have a wall or area in your house that just makes you happy?

Newly Found Fave

Have you ever discovered something that you love...you want to share the amazing secret with others, but selfishly want to keep the secret to yourself? ::evil grin:: Well I can't keep it to myself anymore. I have decided to go ahead and share my little secret with all of you. ::Shhhhh:: Just keep it to yourself. ;) I am wearing/LOVING Joe Fresh.  Joseph Mimran is a very successful Canadian designer who started Club Monaco & Caban (Which was bought out later by Ralph Lauren) and is a contributor to the Pink Tartan Clothing Collection. He decided to open a new type of shop that provides affordable fashion for everyone. You will never guess where his store is located,.....in a grocery store! Seriously, I am not messing with you,..it's located in Superstores all over Canada. There are sections for woman, men, children, babies and now even a cosmetic department! When taking trips out to visit Tom's parents in Canada, I am always happy to take a trip out to the store to check out what is new! I am impressed with everything I have purchased. The last time I was there, I picked up some eye shadow, concealer and nail polish. Couldn't believe how affordable they were. (Around $4.00 to $10.00) I am impressed on the quality as well. Affordable doesn't have to mean cheap. I picked up a yellow belt ($5.00 on sale), a cute light blue striped sweater ($24.00), some black socks (I was needing them) (3 pair/$8.00) a red plaid mushers cap and two plaid shirts for Liam ($10.00 each). You can only buy Joe Fresh clothes in the store right now, but someday in the future they will hopefully allow shopping via the internet. I took home a winter catalog and flip through it once and again to dream over my next purchase.

Here is a photo of Liam sporting his new red plaid shirt I bought him to wear at his Birthday party!

Here is the new 'Winter Line" commercial on Canadian TV!


I have been eyeing that cute Plaid Dress in the commercial....Who wants to go shopping!?

Tuesday's Tunes

Ok,..so were you watching the CMA this past week? If so,than you have seen the Gwyneth Paltrow (Martin) first solo performance live! I have to say, I love her as an actress, and I read her blog GOOP all the time. I was so excited to hear that she was going to sing! To top it off, she was singing with Vince Gill! (Who would have thought that the spouses of two of my ALL TIME favorite singers would be singing together?) She is all the buzz now in the music world. This week she is making an appearance on GLEE! I thought I would share the song she sings in the show. I am sure you will soon see why I think she is so cool!

Letter to my baby boy,...

Dear Liam,

I am so thankful to have you in my life. You have brought me and your dad so much joy. We couldn't have asked for anything more. When they placed you in my arms for the first time, I knew I would forever love you. I can still remember how tiny and soft you were and the smell of you hair. On that day, God gave me the greatest gift, the gift of being your mother. This year has been a tough one, with your surgery and the traveling back and forth to Texas. But it was all worth it, and we would do it again,....knowing now, how much it has helped you grow and develop. You are such a strong little boy, with such a sweet spirit. We pray every day that you will continue to grow and become the person God wants you to be. I will forever cherish this past year and all the new things you have and continue to learn. Your dad was so proud when you first called out to him, and the light in your eyes when you see him walk into the room. We are so excited to see what new things you will learn to say. You tend to be a momma's boy, but I don't mind. I like that you enjoy sitting on my lap reading books, and love when you play with my hair when you get sleepy. You are learning so much. It has been so fun watching you learn to eat real foods, sit up on your own, crawl, dance and sing. Pretty soon you will be running around! You can be such a funny little boy.

Thank you for your love, cuddles, your smiles, your raspy giggles, and those ever so sloppy kisses. I am enjoying every minute. Even when you are grown, and you become a man, you will always be my little baby boy. I love you so much William Arthur. Happy First Birthday!
xox

- Momma