Blessed

"Blessed" and "Blessings" are two words that are very often over and misused. People throw them around using them so much that many times they lose all meaning. It drives me crazy and is one of my many peeves. Therefore, I try not to use them often and when I do I want them to be used appropriately and have meaning. So...now I may proceed.

Judy Barber has truly blessed my life. 1.5 years ago I was asked to come work at E-Mealz. Not having any real clue what I was heading into but desperately grasping for a way I could be a designer and stay home with Hazel...I accepted to offer. 1.5 years later I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I work with a team of amazing women (and now a man) who work but who also are mommies. We work hard but put our families first. Judy is my amazing boss and very dear friend. This blog post all came about after the adorable and so very "Elise" Christmas present she gave me. She gets me...I get her...it makes for such a happy life. My favorite part...I can be myself. No sugar coating...just strait talking. How it should be and how I like it. I am so grateful for all the things she has taught me, for the creative inspiration that she is and for putting up with my ever so quirky self on a daily basis :)

My fabulous Christmas gift:

Owl Cuteness....

Fabulous Felt Fun

After cutting 360 white felt circles (quite a feat) a really cozy felt wreath was made. My sweet friends Jenny, Melanie and I all got together for a fabulous holiday craft night and all created this warm and fuzzy wreath. It was a lot of work...but worth every minute!

tip: using the OLFA rotary circle cutting tool from Joann's fabric made circle cutting a bit easier...or atleast eliminated having to mark off the circles before cutting

felt wreath tutorial...

sweet treasures

This was my mother's little red coat when she was a little girl...now it is Hazel's. So sweet, such a treasure.

Little Clays

I got adorable...inexpensive...little burlap gift bags from the paper mart

Hazel's first time meeting a "horsey"

She was adorable and fearless. It was very cute. Thanks to aunt Christine for sharing Maya!

Little Lady

Eden (our Jack Russell)...

finally has a much cuter, much more fun playmate than me.

ahhhhh....flowers!

I love flowers so much....one of of my very favorite things in the world. These are the beautiful sunflowers mom gave me for my birthday.

Our new pet named "Fish"

Incredibly original I know. But Hazel is just learning to say things...learned the word fish...is obsessed with her fish...and I didn't want to confuse her with another name. So, Fish it is.

EWEES

Veterans Day....from E-Mealz

to read more go to blog.e-mealz.com....

On this Veteran’s Day, as we sit around the table tonight and eat our yummy E-Mealz dinners, I would like to remember our soldiers as they are eating their not so glamorous pre-packaged MRE’s (meals ready to eat) instead of eating with their families.

To the military wives, husbands and families: Thank you for being on the home-front supporting our soldiers. It is a very tough job… and when the hard days come… press on and stay strong! I am so grateful to our soldiers, but I am also grateful for all of you who stand by their side holding down the fort at home while they are gone. It is you who give our soldiers hope to make it one more day and the strength to return home safely. Our soldiers could not do it without you.

To our soldiers: How blessed we are to have so many of you selflessly serving our country. You risk your life so that we may be free. There is no greater gift for us and we will not take it for granted. We thank you for eating your not-so-yummy meals, sleeping anywhere and everywhere, and being in harms way so that we may live our lives. We stand proudly united supporting you on the home front while you are gone and praying for your safe return.

I am proud to be an American, I am proud to be an Army Wife and I am proud to be a part of the amazing E-Mealz team. On this Veterans Day please join E-Mealz as we remember our troops and their families wherever they may be.

mmmmm....I want

EWEES treats for Hazel's amazing teachers

TONS of one-year-olds running around their feet for hours...they are my heros. I could never do it.

Hazel's first icecream cone...

She had the time of her life, made a huge mess and though she was such a big girl.

EWEES-Reversible Pinafore

I got this reversible pinafore pattern off etsy...easy to follow, well explained instructions and great pattern template.

Beautiful Memories

This sweet picture is of my dad with his mom, Geneva, my beautiful grandmother. I have wonderful memories of her. She had the kindest, quietest spirit of anyone I have ever known. She had read more books and learned more things in a year than most do in a lifetime. She was so gentle, giving and a woman who had many treasures stored up for her when she reached the gates of heaven. I am proud to have known her. I buy Jergens original scent lotion just because it reminds me of her...she always had it in her cabinet. It's funny the little things we remember...

EWEES

Halloweeeeeen!

Hooooot! I'm in love.

Leeeeeeeaves