kindergarten

It's been several months since I sent my boy off to Kindergarten with darth vader lunchbox in hand...and a little nervousness in my heart.

Would he be ready?
Would people be nice to him?
Would anyone sit with him at the lunch table?

It was a great year.  A few 'bumps' along the way.

Last week was his open house where we got to see where all the magic takes place.  His teacher, young & artistic, really surprised me with her innovative methods & use of everyday objects as learning tools.

We took a tour of the first grade class rooms.  I watched Jude's little face as he saw how much bigger the desks were and how there was less play space and more learning space.  I think I heard him gulp when he entered the room and shook hands with a few of the teachers.  I just wanted to go through it for him...but I know i can't. 

There will never be another year like Kindergarten....I just can't believe there are only 8 days left....

cucumber & pea plants in starbucks cups - I can respect that!

this guy almost got kicked out of kindergarten!

children's art

We are doing lots of touching up to our home & aesthetic.

As a young couple, you start out getting what you can for less....as we get older, we see that the 'style' that creates is very hodge podge.  We've started choosing with intention the type of home we'd like.  It's a tad old world...yet warm & cozy. 

The boys room(s) are fun but Jude's we have yet to touch.  We plan to stick Leland in there once he's not such a caveman child.  So I'm trying to find ways to give them distinct style while making the room seem like it goes together.

The art available at 20x200.com is so easy, affordable & inspiring.  We might just have to make a decision on some pieces and then let them guide us towards new linens & window coverings as we go.  I think the boys will have fun with it all.

Here are a few that caught my eye for Leland's side of the room:

For Jude, I want him to have his own style and thought since he's got such a bright personality - going with some bright paint near his section of the room....and some more muted prints - perhaps one that have an educational value - which he will totally appreciate!

outdoors

after days and days of rain....I am thrilled that Joel and I will be sprucing up the outdoor spaces of our home & property with some touches of modern flair....a new fence to keep our little guy from traffic & from going home with every dog that walks by...

These pieces from the beautiful Modern Outdoor inspired me today....

Nothing like a night under soft lights & a warm fire with friends to remember what is really most important....hoping for another great summer of this.  Just with better outdoor furniture.  ;-) 

Have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend, loves....

fashion

that word has always taken its toll.

what looks good?  what doesn't?

who can wear it?
who can't?

I have to say that regardless of the answers to those questions, I have definitely found a designer who pushes the envelope on whether those questions even need to be asked.  Back in the BRAVO days of Project Runway, I used to have a group of gals come by for dessert...laughter...and to talk endlessly about how each designer 'should have done this or that' as if we had ANY clue about the matter.

One of my friends invited a new friend to come, she was worn out from school and even came with homework to do at my house.  She could only stay for a bit.  She was loud & funny & artistic.  I liked her.

Little did any of us know, she herself would be on season 8 of Project Runway just 3 years later...

Valerie Mayen of Yellowcake was that quirky student & just a few weeks back, I got to do makeup for a shoot to show off her new spring line.  I used to have words to distinctly describe her aesthetic but this new line took it to a whole new level.  She is wild.  She is discrete.  She is futuristic.  She is a little retro.  Her designs are fun yet can be taken seriously.

Gosh, the girl even designs Oscar gowns now. 

This shoot is tied for first place with another little video shoot I got to makeup for which was followed by a complimentary 'all you can eat' at our favorite restaurant.

Take a look at the beautiful model Suzy Rowe...the magician-like hairstylist Katie B....beautiful photography by Dan & April O'Keefe....makeup by moi....and see yourself in a little Yellowcake

8 years

                                    
                           May 24th  2003

We were wed.


2 kids in their early 20's hoping to survive on love.


The excitement of being one after a long-distance relationship & engagement. 




Recalling all we would encounter...it's a miracle to see how we've only grown closer. 


The pain of family drama. 


The pain of a brother's death.


The joy of a new son.


The joy of a new city & way of life.


Reconciliation.


Peace.


Forgiveness.

We stand certain that if we can get through year 1 thru 3, than 8-16 should be a relative breeze. 

Confident in love but also in faithfulness & trust.  The basis for which this relationship can thrive.


Our gifts & miracles: Jude & Leland (aka Jude & Lebe)  - the art we're most proud of.


Let's keep up what we're doing & just do it better each day because each day is better because we still are one.

6

My Jude is 6.
I feel like it can't be true.

We are so proud of this child and admire the person he is becoming day in and day out.
While he is still 6....and 6 has its ups and downs, we completely adore his passion, his kindness, and crazy ability to observe life & process.

Happy Birthday to my boy, my friend.  Thank you for being such a great example to your brother, Leland....who wants to be just like you. 
Hope you will always remember this special birthday....the beautiful weather...the bonfire, the homemade cake, and all the love you received.

Jude is 6! (almost)

This was the phrase I decided to stamp onto his classmates' treat bags to take to school today.

It was wierd to see that number: 6
It wasn't toddlerish.
It wasn't teeny little playhouse disney-watching boy.
It is the age of my almost first grader.

Leland had a blast while I stamped.  He was all up into the stamps & trying to put the ink pad on his face.  He made the process take twice the time but with 100% more laughter and silly-ness.

I kind of enjoyed making these and realized since I have a summer birthday, I never got to send in treats for friends...Jude is thrilled with how they turned out & cannot wait to give out to his 17 classmates today.

Sweet little mini paper bags filled with individual play-doh containers, alphabet tie-dye silly bands, & toy story stickers.