All the trimmings.

 Finally. I have been hit with the Christmas spirit! All the trimmings are up. Let the Merry begin.

 I am absolutely giddy about my tree this year. We have a REAL tree! I have never had a real tree and I LOVE it! We were planning on doing a festive "Griswold" Christmas this year. Yes, loading the kiddos, driving for a couple hours, hiking to find the perfect "one". But, we figured the boys were a little too young yet to experience that, so we will hold off for now.  It is in our future, for sure! This year visiting 3 lots was enough fun with them all in the car for only an hour. Loud screaming, loud laughing and all.  LOUD.  But, these are the moments and memories that matter most. One tree lot even had reindeer for the kiddos to pet and the most gorgeous flocked tree's I had ever seen!  ( I steered clear of the flocked this year, I had my fill last year ) I am enjoying this little beauty. I wish I could keep him forever!

 

Happy Christmas!

Grateful.

So. Very. Thankful.
Words cannot express my gratitude for the countless blessings that I have.  First and foremost I have a wonderful family. I have a 3 precious gifts. 3 very special spirits that fill my life with such joy it moves me to emotion.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to raise these boys and I am filled with anticipation of what they may become.  When I look in their eyes I marvel at the future. They are all so sweet, healthy, and happy. We are so elated that they are ours! It is just the beginning, being there mom is an honor.  I am so overjoyed that I am trusted with these bright, fun, beautiful boys. They are my everything, and I am beyond grateful for them in our lives. Sometimes I feel so very overwhelmed for what I have. Frankly, I am spoiled, and I feel as if I have too much. I am so SO blessed. Thanksgiving is the best time of year. Reflection and focus on what we have is not done often enough.  I am beyond happy with the life that I have, I am so grateful, my heart is so very full.

Happy Haunting.

What a Happy Halloween we had this year.  We love our boys so much and yet again it was another riot to see them all in full costume enjoying the evening, running around and digging through their "loot".
Was the weather just perfect or what?! I wish it was like that every year!
 This year we were the Avenger's. Right up the boys' ally.

The boys had a blast gutting and carving the pumpkin.

At least for a little while. Good old Dad finished up!

The HULK!

THOR.

 Captain America.

 Brandon and Jessica's costume....Cutest thing ever! 

 As I was passing out candy I was looking up and down the street at all the darling excited kiddos bustling around our neighborhood and it made me feel so blessed to live where I do. Knowing I can raise my boys in such a wonderful place. It was a fun night! We had our family join us, it is always so nice to get together with everyone and to enjoy eachother. We love you guys....thanks for making Halloween extra special!

Kindergarten

I love this boy. With all of my heart.  He has such an innocent way of showing his pure love for his family.  I am so very proud of my Brayden.  He has excelled in the last year, and I cannot believe time has slipped away the way it has. Oh too quickly.  He is growing and learning in every aspect of his life. As a parent, you only can do your best and hope that they will be good examples to others and to be consistently making good choices.
Here is my happy, smart, thoughtful, loving, giving, innocent, obedient, beautiful, perfect little guy.
And yes, (have to Mom brag) he really is all of those things...
Kindergarten has been good for him. It will be a good challenge. A friendly push in keeping him going in a strong educated experience.   
So here is o Kindergarten. We love you Brayden and are so proud of the young man you are.

Meet Max.

Max C. Beyer

8 lbs. 19 1/2"  long

Pure Heaven.

We are so thrilled and blessed to welcome our new baby boy.

So in love.

Fluff.

Yes indeedy. Feeling the need to fluff and give a little refreshment to the family room. Making just a few minor changes here and there.  I love putting together ideas where I can visually see it laid out.  On my little quest for fabric and some things it made me miss presenting design plans to clients...Putting this together made me feel happy. Excited to put it all together!
yay for fluffing.

Fall.

My favorite time of year.  I love everything about it.  We live in the most perfect place to experience this season.  Taking a drive up the canyon and looking at the leaves changing into pops of brilliant oranges, fire reds, and golden yellows is gorgeous.  There couldn't be a more majestic sight.  The days are getting a little shorter and the evenings seem a bit cooler.  Pretty soon we will be feeling that "crispy air" as a sure sign fall is knocking at our door.  For a girl, bundling up in sweaters, layering clothes and slipping into some comfy boots is the best.  
The first part of September always brings me a feeling of anticipation of baking warm goodies, smelling faint wafts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice filling up my home.  Nesting and preparing my home for a cozy season, getting out some fall decor, picking fresh sunflowers and wildflowers from the yard to fill glass jars, these are all simple pleasures of mine.
Harvesting our home grown veggies, bottling beets and tomatoes.  Lining them up on the shelf so they can be enjoyed during the winter months ahead. Love it.
And just to share....if you could capture the scent of fall in a candle this one gets the award.  Mulled Cider. It's Perfect.
Not too strong, just enough for a faint spice in the background.  And of all places guess where I find this yummy glow? Walmart. Yes, Walmart.  I do not like buying cheap candles. They typically do not smell, or when they do you end up with a headache from smelling it all day.  So, to my surprise this is one of my top scents.  And at only $3.49 for a good size it's a delicious find!  So if you are in the mood for feeling some fall, pick this one up.
How can you not love this season?!
Happy Fall~so glad you are around the corner.

Teeny Tiny.

I could not resist making this teeny tiny brimmed beanie. I stumbled upon this darling pattern which was really simple, quick and easy! I did however add the band and button, it needed just a little something. Crocheting a beanie for my all my babies has been a tradition, so here is #3!

Bookclub.

This past year I have been involved in a Bookclub. My good friend Brooke extended me the invite to join hers and it has been fun!  I love to read, and I can appreciate a really good book.  This is something I have looked forward to every month, always anticipating the next great read!  I feel a bit accomplished I have read most of the books so far, it has been a good goal every month and I am so happy I could be a part of it.  It has been fun getting to know these ladies, and to have some good girl conversation every month.  
This month's book was titled Messenger. A fabulous book.  I did a huge post on this a while back because I loved it so much. If you want to read more about the book here is the link to the last post.
http://www.am-biance.blogspot.com/2011/07/best-read-ever.html
So it was my month to pick the book and host! It was a lot of fun...thanks for a great night gals!
Happy Reading....

Waiting.

Patiently Waiting. We are down to 6 weeks. 6 weeks!
I LOVE, love babies. They are the sweetest gift, so precious.  I do not want to wish away this pregnancy so quickly and I should be enjoying it more than I have.  This pregnancy has been well, let's say really different than my last 2.  No major health issues which I am SO thankful for, but has been by far the most challenging. I don't know what it is... Maybe feeling like I am going to burst into flames because of the heat, or chasing around a very happy, active 19 month old who likes to climb and get into everything while a very pregnant Mom tries to run after him. (Not a pretty sight)
A couple weeks ago, my contractions really started to kick in hard, and obviously earlier then expected .
Ouch. Is all I can say. So a trip to the hospital and some tests, yep. Pre-Term labor it is. I have been taking some medication to help with the contractions which they pretty much make me want to fall on my face some days. So tired!! And I do not do tired.  Among other things, the doc has advised me to "take it easy"...Ha...  Not in my vocab. Period.  I like to be busy, I like doing projects, cleaning like a maniac, exercising whenever I feel like it, or run around outside with my boys. "Taking it easy"  has been difficult for me. I know that may sound silly, but I guess that is just who I am. I have this inner argument with my body. My mind says go...my body says....Ahhh, I don't think so!  It let's me know for sure. After a day of  doing too much and feeling pressure as if  your water is going to break any second keeps me in check. Bleh. Like I said, I don't want to wish away this time or have our little guy come early,  but I am ready to meet my sweet new babe, to snuggle with him, and get my energy back!
 I am starting to get those excited, fluttery butterflies in my tummy, I went through the newborn clothes the other day, I had the biggest smile just imagining holding my baby boy!
Brady and our family have been incredible. Always helping out and offering to lend a hand.  I am so thankful for them. I do feel bad for Brady though, I am sure he has had enough of me (as you can tell) he has been such a great support, and helps with whatever he can. All his hard work this past year had earned him a fabulous trip for us at the end of August to Telluride, Colorado through Sysco. These trips are unreal, and not many get the chance to go. It made me so sad when I had to tell him that the doc told me I should not be traveling. I couldn't even finish my question to the doc before he was shaking his head  "No." I told Brady, "you just watch, nothing will happen if we stay home, but if  we go, my luck I would have the baby there"  And now that I said that, I probably will go full term :)
Anyway, there is always a lesson to be learned when things turn out a little differently then you expected them to be. Let's just say I have learned some simple lessons in the last month. But so grateful we have a healthy baby boy on the way very soon! Yay!

Pergola.

Ever since I have been a homeowner I have dreamed...yes, dreamed of having a pergola.  I always have wanted an additional structure with a simple architecture that adds to the yard.  A little oasis for me.  Our home is east/west facing, and our backyard in the summer just bakes! We couldn't  really enjoy having dinner out on the patio without roasting to death. Believe me, we have tried many times. So this little pergola provides just enough shade to keep it cool, yet it still filters the beautiful sunshine through. Every time I look out my kitchen window I cannot help but smile.  Brady and I wanted one last year for our 10 year anniversary but, whoa. It was out of our price range.  We were lucky enough to have a good friend that just started a pergola business on the side, build one for us. We debated back and forth for a while and finally decided to go for it. And I am so happy we did. Happy 11th Anniversary to us! It is something we will enjoy forever, we spend a lot of time outside in the yard, my boys in particular. Now we have a shady place to linger, and I think it is pretty dreamy....

Vacation.

Virginia Beach, V.A.

We just returned home from a wonderful family vacation.  It was fun and filled with images of my boys splashing in the salty waves and running with sand between their toes. They really turned into beach bums. When I saw the ocean I realized how much I had missed it. So beautiful and the sound of the waves crashing onto shore is so tranquil.

We also took a day to visit Brady's Aunt and Uncle. Yes, this is their home. Right on the water,  it was beautiful but HOT!! Really, the hottest I have ever been but worth it. The boys spent the day jet skiing in the ocean. They had a ball.

Brady headed up to D.C. for a day with some of the family. Although I wished so bad I could have gone, I stayed behind to take the boys to the beach. He had a good time, it is so pretty there.

A visit to the naval museum. Nauticus was incredible. Brayden even got to walk on the USS Wisconsin. This ship is huge. It was used in battle in the first Gulf War.

We also drove down to Hatteras, N.C. Stunning. Charming houses, sandy white beaches, and I even found a darling antique shop. Couldn't resist picking up a couple of items. I will post about those later. The boys took a day and did a deep sea fishing outing. A great catch, we later cooked and ate fresh fish until we all had our fill. Yum.

Such a charming lighthouse...

Brayden saw this on the way there and we promised to stop on the way back and let him go Grave Digger crazy!  Monster truck heaven for 2 little boys.  It actually was neat to see all the big trucks being worked on and loaded into these giant semi's for touring around the country. There was a small petting zoo which Greyson loved as well.

The roads are lined with these yummy markets. Make your mouth water. We also hit a couple of thrift stores. These are things that give me simple joy.

We had a wonderful time together. I still have so many more pictures and could go on forever on what we did and saw. But, the boys were amazing.  They traveled well and were so very good. Thanks to our family for a wonderful, memorable time together. As you can see our boys were all tuckered out by the last day. We came home from Busch Gardens amusement park , laid them on the bed, and this is what they ended up looking like. Just snuggling together, melt my heart. 

What a great trip!

Le Bain.

Just a little bathroom update.

I really like the paint, it feels so fresh.

Preschool Grad.

How does time slip by so fast?...............

My Brayden boy is a Preschool Graduate. This was an emotional past year, but a fun one for our little family. Growing by leaps and bounds.  He has learned so much and has come out of his little "shell". I am just amazed at how much he has matured. I LOVE our little chats and to look at his face while he is trying to figure "things" out. He is a bright, loving, warm, fun little boy and I am so very blessed that he is mine. 

Children are amazing. He is growing so quickly just these short five years have seemed to be rushed. Right before my eyes, I can see many changes in him, everyday. It is bittersweet. But, I love the moment at the end of a busy day I can watch him peacefully fall asleep beside Brady and I, We cherish that. In these moments,  We often talk about when he was little, all the many, funny, touching things he has done in our lives. And always the whitty"one liners" he had said that day. He is a crack-up.

It was a precious evening, one that I will hold in my heart forever. You are my world, my heart, and we are so very proud of you. We love you Brayden.

No Fire Needed.

I cannot wait for Summer.  It has been so nice enjoying our yard and being out late with the kiddos playing just as the evening is cooling off. The other day I was thinking about camping and you can't think of camping without S'mores.  One of  Brayden's favorite summertime treats, mine as well. Roasting the perfect marshmallow over hot coals. We didn't have a campfire but wanted a ooey gooey treat!  I made some smore bars...a little bit of heaven even if you don't have a fire going.  They are the next best thing.

S'mores = Summer

Cannot wait for a wonderful summer FULL of activities and many more S'mores!

If  you are craving some summer at all, here is the recipe.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
• Pinch fine salt

Brownie:

• 1 Package brownie mix

Topping:

• 2 cups large marshmallows
• As many Hershey Bars as you would like!

Directions

For the crust: Crush the graham crackers into a fine crumb. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan.Pour melted butter over, press again into pan.  Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the brownie mix. 

Pour batter into the prepared pan over graham crust. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, (keep an eye on it, it can go quick), about 2 minutes. Cool on a rack, while still warm break up Hershey bars and arrange on top. Cut into 12 (2-inch) squares.

Enjoy the gooey love!

Soccer Star.

 Handsome little guy...GO Brayden!

Brayden loves soccer. He has been playing this spring and is doing so well, improving all the time! It is a riot watching him run after the ball, his little arms just swinging back and forth so hard. Every game he gets in the car.."Mom, but I really want to score a goal." he is so determined. He has enjoyed practicing with Dad at our little park. Our soccer star...we are looking forward to another season!

Moab.

This past weekend we went on a little getaway.

Moab, Ut.

It is beautiful there. I have never been and I am so glad I did.

We had such a great time with our little family and some friends of ours. Yummy food, good laughs, great weather, fun memories and fun people.

The boys had a blast. Non-stop entertainment. Total BOY trip.

We were able to spend one day on a slick rock trail, fully equipped in the Rhino. Greyson strapped in his carseat. He was so good. Did not even make a peep the entire time! He was just enjoying the "ride".

Brayden LOVED it. We ALL know this goes without saying. He was super excited and even a couple sketchy climbs was squealing saying, "this is kinda dangerous."(while grinning ear to ear)

 It was so much fun! This vintage classic was owned by the family we went down with. Baby Blue Dodge Truck. Brayden and his little bud Bridger went for a ride down the crazy Main street to wave at all the people lined up. They gave the occasional "beep.beep." they would all cheer and clap and wouldn't you know it was all boyish shy grins. Ear to Ear. 

That night we drove to Main street where vintage cars dragged the streets all night long. We brought our chairs along, the street was packed with people and we watched in amazement at all the incredible cars, all while enjoying an ice cream.

The next day was filled with fun, we went into Arches which was beautiful!! Took in a car show and spent the afternoon swimming and soaking up some warm sunshine. 

  

Needless to say my boys FINALLY wore out by the time we were headed home.

  It was a great trip. Good to get away.