Getting Crafty

Along with photography, art has always been one of my favorite hobbies. I'm not necessarily the most talented, but I enjoy any chance I get to get messy with some paint. Awhile back my husband took me to a wine & canvas joint, and I had the time of my life; not to mention sharing it with my hubby was a real perk.

But this isn't about Pinot & Picasso.

This is about sharing the fun of arts & crafts with my baby girl! Well, not so much a baby anymore. Now that Audriana is getting older, we have been getting pretty crafty with all sorts of things. I'm loving the fact that she can pick out her own colors, and just let go!! Although it may seem to be a mess, it's all about the fun! And it certainly has been just that.

My mother-in-law loves getting Audriana the cutest crafts, and usually going along with the current holiday. Better believe I dive right in and join the fun!! Some of the most recent items she's crafted are a scarecrow, pumpkins, and a couple cute Halloween figurines; cat & owl witch. Audriana is gracious enough to allow me one of the items, so as displayed you can see hers and mine.

Recently we painted pumpkins, and my oh my was that... a mess. Ha. Of course it's all fun, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being a little over protective. Hints the table cover, and over excessive amount of paper towels. And yes, the last photo is my attempt to make a spider on our baby's pumpkin. Audriana wanted to make sure her baby brother's pumpkin was festive... I did my best.

 Lastly, we painted an assortment of randomness. She was in the painting mood, so we went with it! The few others we put together were done with nothing more than a sharpie, paint brushes, and paper plates!

 She's such an artist! ;) I'm loving this age where she is so independent, and I can enjoy her artistic individuality. Although they're bittersweet moments. My little girl is growing up so quickly before my very eyes.

Summer lovin'

Today I'm happy to share a special weekend moment! A dear friend of mine of about 15 years, got married  and I'm so grateful to have been a part of the celebration. Not to mention, the bridal party (groom's side) was basically a big reunion of guys I've known equally as long as the groom - the best man, I've known since Kindergarten! Needless to say, it was a great day seeing friends, and catching up with everyone. :)

NOW... on to the main event! :)

The location was outdoors, and fortunately the weather was very kind to us - not too hot, not too humid. Here are some of my favorite details; the crafts were too cute not to share.

During the ceremony of course we all ooooh & awwww at sight of the beautiful bride... yet, I still have to capture the moment the groom sees her as well! It's my absolute favorite part.

 

And then...

Isn't that just the best?! He's the sweetest. I love it! :)

I'm so happy for Kyle, and his new bride Natalie. I wish them unending happiness for the rest of their days together!!! Kyle, as did Chris (my husband), gained a daughter in this special unity. She adores Kyle, and you can see how happy they are as a little family. Again, I just can't express enough how happy I am for them.

 CONGRATULATIONS, Kyle, Natalie & Audrey. :)

Well with wedding news on the brain, what a great build up to this coming weekend... 

4 days until My Best Friend's Wedding, eeeeeekkkk!!!!!!!!!!

Lions, Tigers & Bears... OH MY!

Yes, Erika - if you're reading this - my post title may look familiar. 

Well, this Tuesday adventure was most deserving of its own post!! One of my best friends, and her son (my godson) along with myself and little one, took a trip to our local zoo.

Not my most flattering angle, but it's surely overlooked by Max licking his mother's face, yes?

Needless to say, it was a combination of excitement and exhaustion - for the parents. Regardless, it was an absolute blast!! The weather was even kind to us, and never shed an ounce of rain - which was the current weather status; in which case we appreciated the false prediction. We tried capturing as many photo ops possible, given the undeniably precious moments and personalities portrayed.   

 ...and when I say personalities, this is what I mean...

Probably one of my favorite moments, was the "clinging for life" photos of my dearest friend, and our kiddos - one in desperate need to be held, while the other was being pulled out of another family's picture.

She may have needed an extra hand. Where was I, you ask?... umm, who else was going to capture these priceless moments? 

And given we are both moms, this happened on occasion...  

I can't recall if it was intentional, or just maternal instinct to grab hold of a nearby stroller. 

It happens. 

We're lucky our kids are close in age, and have been able to grow with one another; although, one year is quite a difference, especially between a boy and a girl. Nonetheless, they have fun together and I'm blessed for that relationship - and that of mine and Erika's... I've known her from when we were our kids' age.

That's a crazy reality. 

(( My Best Friend's Wedding ))

First let me begin by saying, I have known this lovable, "cheesy" (nickname in High School) beauty since we were 14 years old. So, a little preface of our relationship is absolutely necessary! :)  

You could say the initiation of our friendship was in the hands of the good old sport of volleyball. Playing together for 5 years certainly brought us closer together (given the relationship our team generally had with one another; deemed a "cult" by the student body; we preferred "family", right Jessica Donner?). It wasn't until after graduation that we realized the value of our friendship. No matter the ups and downs, distance or years in between, we always found each other's comfort in the time of need. Although, with life's unexpected turn of events, we ended up finding ourselves inseparable. Where there was Megan, there was Jessica - vice versa. So, you get it! Before getting into the EXCITING events to come, I'll share a little bit of our most memorable adventures together!

1. Sophomore year, high school football game

2. Trip to Orlando; City Walk

3. Trip to Orlando; Universal Studios

4. umm... who goes out at 11pm for Key Lime Pie? We do.

5. Cincinnati Bengals game

6. Hullabalou 2010

7. Louisville Bats game

8. My wedding day, aka: MOH

9. Regrettable, yet memorable, Black Friday shopping - people are crazy!

Another special tradition (needing its own collage) is the infamous birthday cake!! When I discovered - late into the friendship I might add -  that she rarely got birthday cakes in the past, I made it my mission to do so every year following:

 And lastly, another must share, we have an issue with matching, unintentionally -whether it be similar, or exact:.

Ok, ok, so THIS is my best friend...

NOW! On to the most exciting news, EVER!!! ... hints: My Best Friend's Wedding.

Yes, my friends! After the engagement last summer (2012), the nuptials are soon among us!

(then, engaged at the same time)

Bridesmaids!! Minus 3 others...

pictured: Katie B, bride, Katie U, myself, and Noelle

Aren't we a cute married bunch???

(A big shout out AND congrats, to Katie U; soon-to-be mommy!!!!!)

Wedding season is always an exceptional time of year, but THIS YEAR it's much much more- for obvious reasons!!!! Words can't express the excitement, anxiety, and anticipation for the big day!! To say she is my "best friend", is really an understatement. This girl has been there for me through the worst of my trial and errors in life, and was nothing but encouraging and supportive every . step . of . the . way. I'm blessed for her friendship and loyalty. 

Not to mention, there's never a dull moment with us...

    Moving along... you get the picture, she is the Cheese to my Mac.

There will be four... yes, four... parts to this series: 

Part 1: My Best Friend, introduction - complete

Part 2: Bridal Showers

Part 3: Bachelorette Party

Part 4: THE BIG DAY! (eeeeekkkkkk!!)

Looking forward to sharing all the exciting events!! Stay tuned!!

Heart-to-Heart

Since as far back as I can remember, finding anything (and I mean anything) shaped like a heart, meant snapping a photo and immediately sending it to my mom - and vice versa!! It's something special the two of us share.

To save time, I'll only display the most recent of our finds:

(1) Crouton (2) Cereal (3) Sea Shell (4) A magazine ad full of heart-shaped items. Heaven!! 

The symbol not only seems to represent "love", but to me, it also represents a bond; something that should never be broken. When you look at a broken heart on paper, it's literally in pieces - not the way bonds are intended.

By definition, a bond simply means: "...to be joined securely to something else." 

A heart, in two, does not abide by such terms; therefore, it shan't be broken.

...but such is life.

Moving on to a happier note - happy blog! - as previously stated, a heart is most certainly known for the symbol of "love". It seems to always bring an immediate cheerful feeling to those who see that little symbol - especially when it's unintentional (our favorite)! Just a little photo of a heart-shaped object can turn my day around in a second!

In closing, here are a few more sweet, heart-shaped moments. 

(talk about the perfect match; coffee AND a heart - I'm trying to contain myself)

Good day to you all!! 

photo credit: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7