sautéing veggies for dinner and noticing that the vegetable sticker is still on a quarter of the bell pepper pieces. 

Grumpy in California & Fashion Day 3

I have been Grumy-Grump-Grumperson all day today; which is hilarious based on the post I did last night about counting my blessings. I'm trying today - I really am. 

It's just one of those days. When everything seems to be coming at you at once. And today it is financial which can stress me out. If I may rant for a moment - why do all the unexpected bills come at once??!!

I was feeling so out of sorts I was going to skip Spring Fashion day today. But, the Lord is working on me. Feeling down-and-out I put the baby in front of a DVD, sat my bum on the couch and opened up my Bible study. And, of course, it was on the rich young man (Luke 18:22-30) who was dishearten when Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and follow Him. God is so good; I love how He meets me where I am. Beth Moore paraphrased verses 24-30 best: "an eternal inheritance involves sacrifice here on earth, but whatever you lay down here for My sake, you will receive a hundred times as much in eternity." So there is no reason to allow a dip in the savings account to ruin my day. Someone much bigger is in control. 

Feeling refreshed I decided to embrace the overcast, windy day and break out one of my favorite winter hats. 

Off with the boring outfit:

And on with the new:

Hat: Anthro (gift from my awesome sister!)

Necklace: vintage, thrifted

Cardi: no-idea, thrifted

Tank: Mossimo

Jeans: Banana Republic

Shoes: Mossimo

I started out with the shirt tucked in but didn't really like it with the skinny belt (I couldn't find my fatter one). What do you think?

Instead

Linda's post about attitudes go me thinking about my reaction to the tough days.

Combined with the fact my boy is about to turn 1 and I just can't help thinking about how much my life has changed in the last twelve months.

Yesterday, in another life, I could have spent the morning reading the newspaper and sipping a latte.

Instead I spent my time regulating baby's determination to eat dog food.

But I'm so glad I didn't miss out on a joyful moments like this:

I could have been lunching with coworkers at one of Santa Barbara's posh nosh spots.

Instead I made yet another meal, hosed down the high chair, and did the  dishes once again.

But, the view was spectacular and the food was home-grown.

I could have been participating in a energetic meeting discussing magazine articles, design layouts and celebrity photo shoots.

Instead I did 5 loads of laundry.

But I had the best of companions.

I could have been creating complicated spreadsheets and earning a real take-home paycheck. 

Instead I created an eating and pooping schedule for puppy and baby.

But it wast truly so much more fun using markers instead of Excel. 

Yesterday, in another life, I could have gone to a fancy gym and taken a fancy class.

Instead I loaded the baby in the jogger and went for a painful run. 

But the sun was shining, the conversation flowing, and the baby laughing. 

I could complain when the days are hard (and I probably will).

But, I am learning, instead to be thankful. 

I am blessed each day. 

Spring Fashion - Day 2

Getting dressed before 8am so hubby could take my picture lasted all of one day. So here's headless me:

Jacket: anthro (from back in the double income days!)

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants: Levi's

Shoes: Old Navy

And me making a ridiculous face holding our new gal

Normally I would just be wearing the jeans and tee but I wrangled the jacket out of the back of the closet because I'm so inspired by all the rest of you. It's been such fun looking at everyones adorable outfits - I love the range of styles. 

Which got me thinking - how fun would it be to do this same thing but with our homes. A Home Tour series. Lately I've been trying to branch out and be more creative in my decorating. I would love to see the inside of your homes for some extra inspiration. We could do Living Rooms on Monday, Bedroom on Tuesday, etc. Would anyone be interested? 

Day 1 - Spring Fashion Week

I'm already loving Spring Fashion week just because I'm up and dressed before 11am! Usually we never leave the house until after Landon's first nap so I don't even bother thinking about what I'm going to wear until at least 10. 

But I was so excited to get started!

And good ol' California cooperated (as usual) and gave me a beautiful 70 degree spring day.

Here's my first outfit:

Dress: Patagonia - gift from hubby!

Cardigan: H&M

Boots: Frye 

Outfit in action

Landon will also be participating in Spring Fashion week, but he'll be highlighting his thrift fashion over here.

But don't look for anything yet. It's still only 8:45am and getting me dressed was enough.

THANKS EMERY FOR HOSTING ALL THE FUN!

I Need A Name

Please meet the newest Hosking:

Our daring cockapoo puppy.

But we need a name!*

RJ and I aren't the best at pet name so I we are asking for your

suggestions.

*She did come with a cute name but we're not 100% we are going to keep it. I don't want to share yet in case it messes up your creative suggestions!

O.J.

Once there was an little boy

Who sat under an Orange Tree

And I really must declare

He is the cutest thing I ever did see!

Friends Our Family

When all your family members are 350 miles or further away you rely on your friends.

In many ways our friends are our family.

Our other family. 

Landon and some of his friends.

Miss Avila and L chatting it up.

It's our friends who bring us binkies, food, and support when we're in the E.R.

Our friends babysit our boy so we can go dates.

They challenge us, encourage us, and love on us.

Trying to keep up with Noelle

Our weekends are filled with our friends.

They're our playmates.

Our helpers.

The people who give us a hand moving or painting a room (or more!). 

I am so thankful for the many special people in our lives.

You make this place home for us. 

And out of town friend. Mr. Connor all the way from Scotland!

Hanging out in Lex' swing waiting to meet him.

Today a friend helped me out so I could help another.

Thank you friend.

We love you; all. 

Grown Up

Yesterday, while on our family walk, RJ and I were sharing a chuckle over life. We both sometimes feel like we're playing house. He's the Daddy. I'm the Mommy. We have the baby. We live in the House. It's just like the 4-year old version we played over twenty years ago.

And sometimes I still feel like that four year old inside; like deep down I'm waiting for my own Mom and Dad to walk in and take charge. At times it would be nice if they did! Reflecting on my day-to-day it's hard to believe that this is it - I'm here - I'm doing the big girl stuff. 

God is growing me up. 

And it's a refining process. 

Real Simple, one of my favorite magazines, recently held an essay contest. The topic was "At What Moment Did You Realize You Were An Adult?". The winning essay is great (check it out in the most recent issue), but I'm not sure I could have written an entry. There is no such moment in my life. Rather it's been a string of moments building on one another. 

When Landon was born everything changed. My perceptions of life and God altered. And how nice it would be to say that the instant they put my son on my chest I became an adult, but I can't honestly say that. I was just a kid, maybe a half-adult, who happened to be entrusted with a child. A half-child with a child.

But my child is heading into toddler-hood and I feel myself growing along with him. This past year I've been transitioning from half-child to adult. I may still feel like I'm playing house but my character is growing. Maybe this is why our children can't remember the first few years of their lives. Transition can be painful and it's best that our children see us as adults rather than fledglings. At times I want to cling to childhood: to selfishness, pride, impatience. But God has been humbling me. Teaching me. Testing me. As I grow in the Lord I gain maturity. 

The Lord is showing me that we are adults when we truly understand what it means to be His child. When we abide in His Love. When we Trust in His provision and promise. When we listen and obey Him. For He is God and He is Good. And he Loves us - child, adult, or half-way-there Grown-up.

My Weekend

I had such a nice weekend with my family. It was an "Anna" weekend; we did a bunch of stuff that I love. Friday night wasn't very eventful (excluding the thrilling moments surrounding a plane ride with an overly tired 11 month old) but it was exciting to greet my husband at the airport after after a week separation. 

RJ gave me the coveted gift of sleeping-in on Saturday. He got up with Landon and I didn't rise until the little man was back in bed for his morning nap. Translation - free time until nearly 11am!! It was a gorgeous day so I played around in the vegetable garden and had two leisurely cups of coffee. 

After Landon was up and dressed we hit to road to LA where we meet Lucy - the 7 week old cockapoo (cocker spaniel/poodle mix) we may adopt on Friday! Being that Landon is nearly a year old I feel read to take on the challenge of a puppy. Plus, is there anything cuter than a boy and his dog? I'm having visions of Old Yeller, Shiloh, and Where the Red Fern Grows. 

Being in LA we couldn't not stop by the Amsden household where we wished Meg a Happy Due Date. I told her she would probably go into labor that day or the next and sure enough I was right! Her water broke 10 hours after we said Good-Bye.

Saturday evening we took a walk as a family, but Landon down to bed, and RJ and I watched the last 3 episodes of The Office. Pam and Jim's birth episode is hysterical. Finally, a TV show that showed the realities of new parenthood. 

Sunday was breakfast burritos, church, beers in the backyard sunshine, and a rousing game of Gin Rummy. I am counting my many blessings. (Including that fact that my very busy son is getting underfoot every-single-moment.)

What did you do last weekend? 

Spring Fashion Week

To be honest participating in spring fashion week intimidates me. I've followed Emery and other gals during Fall Fashion week in the past and they're all so creative. It's such fun to see the interesting, fresh, fun outfits these women put together. I'm more of a jeans, tee-shirt, and Rainbows girl. But, I've decide to participate as a representative of casual women everywhere. I'll be the Real Simple fashion in a Vogue inspired world. And hopefully this project will help me move away from the ever-present ponytail.

I hope you join us too!

In Flight

Stuff I used to pack for a plane trip:

2-3 magazines

a good book

possibly a neck cushion depending on the length

$5 cash in case I want an adult beverage

ipod

journal

gum for my ears

a healthy snack

and a not so healthy snack - peanut M&Ms preferred

Stuff I now pack for a plane trip:

a change of baby clothes

10-12 diapers just in case there is a bad case of diarrhea

sippy cup, pacifier, and bottle so baby has a choice how to pop ears

toys

board books

snacks - graham crackers and string cheese

extra snack - cookies in case baby is out of control and this is the only thing that will calm him

tylenol - just in case it comes to drugs

$5 - dry cleaning fee for person next to us

chamomile - natural alternative to try before tylenol

wipes

scarf for using as a hooter hider

binkie

On The Mend

Thanks to all our amazing family and friends, our 

church family, and our Home Group. The love,

support, and prayers have meant so much to us.

We love you! 

Intuition

Before Landon was born, when he was just a hyper-active soccer player in my belly, I worried about my "mother's intuition." Would I have mother's intuition? Would I know what to do in an emergency? Or would I be that one mother who never got a "feeling in her gut"? 

I am not the most detailed individual. I usually forget to wear jewelry, I probably won't notice that you got your hair cut, and I am forever missing the smudgy spots on the mirror. So, for the last few months I have been honestly concerned that I might not have Mother's Intuition. I still can't tell Landon's cries apart - I usually only know what he wants/needs because of our schedule not because I can hear the difference in the pitch of his scream. For example, the other evening he cried for twenty minutes when I put him down for bed. I figured he was just overly tired and needed to cry it out. Turns out he was incredibly thirsty. Poor kid. What kind of intuition is that?! 

But yesterday, God showed me that I may have Mom Guts after all. Wednesday afternoon I brought Landon into the pediatricians office at the last moment. He had a bit of a cold and it seemed to be settling in his chest so I wanted them to check out his lungs. The doctor took a listen and told me Landon probably had the RSV virus. I needed to humidify his room, increase liquids and just keep an eye on him. Things were find for nearly twenty-four hours. But after his second nap yesterday he seemed "off."  He sounded wheezy, his chest was rising and falling rapidly and dramatically, and he was using his stomach muscles to breath...

Before I continue you need a bit of background. Both RJ and I have asthma. RJ suffered terribly as a youngster. Obviously we are concerned for Landon and always looking for asthma to creep up in him. Couple this concern with the fact that I've been certain I wouldn't be able to tell when something was truly wrong and I've brought our kiddo into the peds office one too many times. At once point the doctor told that laughing children aren't suffering children and leave the poor boy at home! 

Now I was at a crosswords: wait it out at home or call the pediatricians office once more (it was 4:59pm and I had a one minute window to decide)? I called the pediatrician. Describing the symptoms I felt more certain that ever that I was doing the right thing. Sure enough our doctor told me to take him to the ER because he would probably need a breathing treatment.  RJ hates going to the ER but I held to my guns and insisted that we go. Of course, once in the car, Landon started sounding a bit better, but that little voice inside told me to stick to the plan. 

Turns out our little guy has a mild case of pneumonia. The ER was the right call for the situation and with some antibiotics and asthma meds he will be fine.  And I've got myself a diagnosis as well: Mother's Intuition.  Incurable but happily endured. 

The Left Side

One of my favorite movie scenes of all time comes from Father of the Bride II (no need to comment on my sophisticated film selections).

Nina and George Banks have just discovered that they are expecting baby #3 - a complete shock as their other two children are older (one pregnant herself) and retirement is on the horizon. Driving home from the doctors office each of them is silently pondering the life changing news. Nina, in the passengers seat with a content smile on her face, is gazing dreamily out the window. From her vantage point (the right side of the car) she sees a mother skipping down the street with her sweet daughter - smiling, laughing, joy abounding.

George, on the other hand, is glancing along the left side of the street with a scowl on his face (George is not handing the news as well as Nina). On George's side of the street is a young boy and his father - spilled ice cream, a temper tantrum, screaming, yelling, mayhem and tears.

It's the most hysterical scene in the entire movie. And how much is life like that? Sometimes we only see one side of the street.

I particularly think this is true of the blog world. Now there are many bloggers out there who share truth and reality, but I've found that the majority of blogs are used to showcase the highlights of our lives. In all honestly , its alot more fun to write about (and more enjoyable to read) the best of ourselves. However, sometimes truth is necessary.

So, for all of you out there dreaming about the peaches-and-cream of parenthood let me introduce you to a two part mini-series: The Left Side Of The Street.

Part 1.

Which I like to call:

An idyllic bike ride on a sunny Southern California day.

And Part 2.

Don't even try to hand me my blankie b/c there is no way in hell I'm taking a nap!

Crafty

It started in kindergarten. When I noticed the teacher always put my art projects on the bottom row of the display board or in a far reaching corner. I knew it was really bad when my own mother bribed my junior high school friends to do my art projects for me. Arts and crafts has never been my specialty. I don't even do stick figures well. 

Women are either teacups or coffee mugs. 

I'm more like a coffee tumbler. 

I so admire the teacups in my life. My sister-in-law, Jessica, has an amazing eye, as does my friend Brittney. Raegan, my friend in Stockton, completely decorated my living room a few years ago and did an amazing job. And I love browsing through anthro catalogs and blogs such as the Nie Nie Dialogues. 

For a long time I envied those with "the eye". In high school my friend Heather would walk into a thrift store and come out twenty minutes later with an incredible outfit (she can still do this. Its something everyone should witness). Meanwhile, I would still be shifting through the front rack looking for anything that had a ROXY logo! And, until I started to grow in myself, I saw my inability to see the world through artistic lenses as a negative quality. 

But maturity has brought self-confidence in my creativity. Just because I won't be setting an etsy shop doesn't mean I don't have an creative bent. I am full of business ideas. At the magazine I came up with some of our most fun stories (tree-houses of Montecito anyone?!!). I can hold my own in the kitchen and I bake a mean cupcake. I write a killer five paragraph essay and although I have no idea what I'm doing I can occasionally take a pretty good photograph. 

So, with my creative confidence in-stride, I figured it was time to challenge myself to the scary stuff. The worse that could happen are a few stares and maybe some whispering about the lady with the crazy clothes and mismatched house. And since I'm learning to get over what people think - who really cares? 

I've been thrift storing a large majority of my clothes and it's been a blast. I'm no Emery but I did rock a red vintage Armani pencil skirt to church the other day. A few people ogled, I was probably wearing it all wrong, but it sure was fun! And yesterday I went to my very first Craft Night. Where, with much guidence, I produced this:

Not too shabby for my first craft since 1987. 

And finally, with my husbands support, I took the big plunge and bought a couch from the Salvation Army (I figure is safer to start with $60 couches rather than $600 ones.). The couch has got to be about forty years old and I can see my mother shaking her head at me as I write this, but I liked it. It doesn't go at all with the rest of the furniture in my home but to hell with conventionality! 

I think I may end up being one of those lattee mugs. 

Highlights

I can image that if I was a single 27 year old the highlights in my day might include:

a promotion at work

a new dress from anthropologie

meeting friends for drinks at a swanky bar

But, I'm not.

And the highlights in my day yesterday included:

my husband coming home for a surprise lunch-time visit

and Landon eating BOTH broccoli and chard for dinner

Maybe tonight I'll wear my (one) athropologie dress 

and sip martinis with my husband

while shoving broccoli florets down my sons face. 

 then i really would have the best of both worlds.

  

A Baby's Life

If I believed in reincarnation I would ask to come back as a baby. 

Apparently a dog's life is where it's at, but I'm not so sure our canine friends have it better than our babies. When you really think about it being a baby is a pretty sweet deal.

- 2 naps a day! Seriously, two naps. When is the last time you ever got 1 nap? And that's on top of a twelve hours night sleep. People complain that their babies don's sleep in, but I want to know when was the last time you got to go to bed at 7?

- a personal shopper. Not only do your parents spend more money and time choosing adorable outfits for you, but you don't even have to dress yourself. 

- someone else washes your hair. Everyone knows the best part of getting your hair done is having it washed. If I was a millionaire I would put one of those washing bowls in my house and have a professions wash my hair for me every day - complete with that little neck massage. Babies get that every single time they bath. 

- a personal maid. Toddlers have to pick up their own toys. Babies don't. Nor do they have to change their own sheets, clean up their own spit-up, or do their own laundry.

- a personal chef. You don't like vegetables - must spit them out and someone will hand you a graham cracker. Plus, three full meals a day just like clockwork. 

- smiles, smiles smiles. People smile at you all day long. Grandmas stop to pet you. Grocery clerks give you balloons. You are loved for just being cute. Speaking of being cute....

- a world of endless compliments. Doesn't matter if your fat, skinny, tall or short most people will tell you you're adorable for just sitting there. 

- fat is in. The fatter you are the better. The objective is to get eat and get fat. 

- endless entertainment. No one is happy when you're bored so the adults in the room will go to great lengths to make sure you're having fun. Not enjoying one toy - why not try another. Bored with toys - try a baby video. It's all about whatever your little heart desires. 

- being pushed in a stroller. Sounds ridiculously relaxing to me. 

- and positive affirmation around every corner. Working adults usually only get told when they screw up. As a baby you get endless amounts of praise, kisses, and applause for doing the simplest of tasks - standing up, crawling around, saying a word, holding your own spoon, drinking from the sippy cup, and putting your arm through your own shirt sleeve. 

Life as a baby is pretty much a picnic. 

One of my favorite rainy day activities is baking. I've actually found it to be a fantastic creative outlet. It was wet and soggy outside all day Saturday, so while RJ took Landon hardware store shopping I decided to tackle the challenge of a Martha Stewart recipe. 

Inspired and encouraged by my friend Melinda's success (her cupcakes turned out AMAZING) I ventured into previously uncharted territory. Normally I avoid all things Martha. Her stuff is too complicated and I never achieve anything that even resembles the picture. Typically I just end up wasting my time, $30 worth of fancy ingredient, and half a dozen eggs in the process. But, these Chocolate Graham Cracker Cupcakes with Toastetd Marshmallow looked worth it. 

And they really were!

Although the process was somewhat labor intensive they turned out wonderfully. And they tasted even better than the looked! 

SMOORES + CUPCAKES = JOY IN MY HEART

And thanks to my wonderfully creative husband for the finishing touches. We don't have a kitchen torch so he used the flame from our camping stove to finish off the burnt marshmallow frosting. 

*****************

Also, on a completely unrelated note, did you know I have another blog? I started it in December and I've only done one post but I am ready to start putting more effort into it. You can find Grand Taste Slim Wallet here. And the name really says it all. As a single income family in Southern California things can be tough. And to be honest, RJ and I have fine taste. We love organic, local foods, anthropologie, eating out, clothing options, Restoration Hardware and more. Basically this new blog is my attempt to share how to do more with less. And how to navigate the world of stuff, appreciate the finer things in life, but still have a heart for giving.