Madi and the Christmas Lights

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Taking time to slow down

An unexpected trip to Utah has caused me to slow down and enjoy the summer.

It has made me rethink everything and where I want to be in life.

I say that I'll slow down eventually but things just keep getting busier.

This time I mean it and it started with the help of my brother and sister-in-law.

We took a drive up to Pineview Reservoir just talking and enjoying each other's company.

Then we enjoyed the beauty of the earth around us.

 Taking time to be calm and still, recharging-is what the soul often needs 

when going through a difficult time.

Simple Things-Madi and Aiden

Love these girls.
They are growing up so fast {I know, I say that about all my nieces and nephews}.
I was walking up the driveway at my parents house the other day.
Aiden saw me and started screaming "La la! La la!" really loud.
I'm Auntie La la to her.

The story is that when I was little I kept saying Wee-saw and not Lisa.
My parents then started calling me la la la- Leee-sa, so I could learn my name.

The same has happened with Aiden.
Forget the Lisa part, it's just la la.
Big smile here.

Madeline is smiling and looking all over the place now.
 I can picture her and Aiden running all over the house next year.

Love, love these girls.

"In the eyes of a child . . . there is joy, there is laughter. . . there is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future."
~Air Supply

My sweet sister-in-law Jen has a facebook page where these sweet hair flowers are available.
Go and click "like" to support her here!

The Simple Things-Baby Madeline

I went over to my parents house on Friday and looked at this baby in the eyes and thought, "it's time that we took some pictures."

From there I just scooped her up and took her upstairs to one of my parents' most prized piece of furniture, Great Grandmother Soules' chair. 

Sometimes we feel that we need to have a fancy space to take a picture. When in reality, sometimes home is the best place. If you came over for a visit, my mom would probably tell you about everything that needs to be remodeled. When in fact, her home is lovely even if nothing ever changed.

It's definitely the simple things that matter and are the best. I honestly believe that Great Grandmother Soules would be proud to have these pictures hanging on her wall of her great-great granddaughter lying in her favorite chair. 

A baby has a special way of adding

JOY in every single day.
~Author Unknown

Six Words

The question on everyone's mind recently is how I've been able to handle the birth of two nieces and another sister-in-law has announced that she's pregnant with her third.

I'm actually happy because right now we have 16 nieces and nephews, 17 will be even more fun. It won't end there either because I have one brother who still isn't married and so does Kevin. :)

Kevin and I kept a baby box of treasures and things, we gave Jane several of those gifts.

We gave Madeline the crib that our baby would have slept in.

How did I feel about that you might ask?

It felt like these six words in the story below by Ernest Hemingway.

It may be a legend but it goes somewhat like this. Ernest Hemingway was in a pub with some friends one night. Hemingway bragged that he could write a captivating story-- with a beginning, middle, and end--in only six words. 

Many doubted that he could do it and they each bet $10 against Hemingway.

He quickly scribbled six words on a napkin and passed it around. Everyone who read the napkin knew  he had won the bet.

The six words:

For sale.

Baby shoes.

Never worn.

That's how I feel. I decided to give my favorite baby things up because it was too painful to look at. Now I look at them with JOY because a living baby gets to use them. My nieces and nephews are very special to Kevin and I, we can't help but spoil them.

It really puts my heart at ease to see cute baby sheets on the crib.

It'll do me even more good in a few months when Madeline starts sleeping in it.
I'm so happy that I don't have to look at an empty crib.

The harsh memory is erased and replaced by a beautiful one.

I'll have to get a picture of it soon.

We love these baby girls.
They bring me JOY!

Little girls are made of sugar and spice, and everything nice.

The Simple Things-Welcome Madeline!

Madeline Erin Soules6 lbs. 3 oz. 19 inches longborn on January 15, 2010 at 8:06 P.M.
Congrats Nate and Jen!!!
Kevin and I are so proud to be her Aunt and Uncle.

We're happy that you finally came to join our family. 

A baby is sunshine and moonbeams and more brightening your world as never before. ~Author Unknown

Any minute now. . . cute baby girl things

Any minute now, she's going to be coming to join the family.

My sister-in-law Jen is going to be having a baby girl today.

So in honor of our little niece who is number 16 on the list for us,

I've decided to post a few of my favorite baby girl things and inspiration.

Let's start with these onesies from Lulu and Jack.
One for every month your baby grows!
Plus, the bonus is that proceeds go to a children's charity of your choice.

Isn't this dress adorable?

This nightlight may not look like much, but it's pretty amazing.
Instead of a plain light, it shines stars all over the nursery. 

Of course, anything vintage is a must. 

And a little glam, never hurt.

Some style for Mommy, can you believe that this is a diaper bag? 

Since, it's so cold during January, a little headband or hat to cover her ears is just a good idea.

Not to forget my absolute favorite, a classic Madeline doll.
Since her name will be Madeline Erin! :)

We're excited to welcome you into the world little one!