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Lists. I’m not so much of a list-maker. My grocery lists rarely consist of more than 4-5 items. My thought is if I thoroughly peruse through each and every aisle, I will just rememer all the groceries I need.  Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. I was catching up on my TiVo last night after Henry had gone to bed and started thinking of all the ‘projects’ I wanted to get done this summer.  So I started writing them all down. Started making a ‘list’. They are in no specific order (although strangely losing 10 lbs is LAST on the list!) Lot’s on the agenda for this summer. I still have the Christmas Coasters out that Kimberly gave to me several Christmases ago. Don’t get me wrong- I love the red & white candy swirl design. But it’s June.  They game out last November. I think it’s time. Time to make some swanky, cool new ones with our photos in them. So someone can put their mug, on our ‘mug’.  Ready to start the freezer paper project I talked about a few posts back, Henry’s quiet book, his photo album (yes, he just turned 1 and not a single photo has made it into an album), and try to go on more dates with Chris. Pre-Henry days we used to go to the movies every single weekend.  Embarassingly, we’d ususally go on Friday AND Saturday. We made it out to see the DaVinci Code, but it had been months since we’d been to a theatre before that. And it’s good for the old marriage! So there you have it. My list. Now we’ll see if I can stick to it. Check back with me end of summer.

Hooray for get-togethers! I think this month, we may end up seeing everyone we ever knew in Boston (okay not really) but we are getting dangerously close! This weekend, we FINALLY went down to see Andy & Kierra in San Diego. It was fun to see them and their home is GORGEOUS! Eric & Tamara made it up from Mesa, Stacie & Ezra came all the way from Baltimore and the Ho-Jo’s & us came from LA.  The Beesleys unfortunately were unable to make an appearance. Everyones kids are getting so big and Andy & Kierra have all of us beat with 4! We are so sad that they are moving away from California and hauling the family (and dog?) back across the country to South Carolina (or is it North?) this Fall.

It was so reminiscint of a Boston bizarro dinner. I even overheard Andy talking about "Daisy Dukes"…it IS just like the good old days! Kidding, Andy…not really.  All we were missing was a cab-driver named Bill… who I have heard through the grapvine has officially ‘hung up his keys’. Single tear…can anyone out there in Boston confirm?

Since the lovely Heidi is missing from the photo- where were you, Heidi? I just had to attach one of her & Russ… They are just like two pea’s in a pod. Since Russ knows a little about music (just a little) he played us some jammin tunes on the piano.  Everyone had a great time and Stubbs- we are serious about Disneyland!

Thanks for the good time’s Boston Peeps!

All time in the car gave me plenty of time to start work on Henry’s felt book (I think I saw Russ laughing at my ‘needlepoint’ as they were passing us on the freeway!).. Just a big "H" for the cover, but I am making progress.  Perfect thing to do while sitting in front of the T.V at night catching up on everything that’s been recorded on TiVo! Ahh, Tivo. I love you. I can’t believe there was life before you.

I picked up some Amy Butler Fabric this week, which I absolutely adore. I love the blue & brown combinations. Am going to start on Henry’s felt book this weekend, and might try to integrate some of this fun fabric. Have not been feeling well (threw up a LOT yesterday..yick!) But am feeling a little bit better today. Went to the Sewing Arts Center on Wednesday night to check out their machines (Thanks, Betsey!) and what classes they offer. I think I may end up going with a Viking…. and their classes start up in July- Yeah- getting so excited to learn to sew and promise you won’t see any homemade denim pants with elastic wastebands here!

The weekend started out with a "BANG" when the Taylors came into town on Friday night. These are friends we met in Boston who are now living in Utah. After a very long drive to get to us (Thanks so much for coming!) we thought ‘hey, let’s get BACK into the car and head down to Disneyland!’… they were such troopers and we hopped on down to the ‘happiest place on earth’ for a few hours.

Saturday, started out at the Griddle Cafe and we are still dreaming about that place…the pumpkin pie pancakes, cobb omlette and scrumptious blueberry pancakes with blueberry sour cream on top! To die for! Lucky for us, we got to sit in the back in the "VIP room"… on swanky,  swirly  couches that if you stared at too long kinda started to make you a little dizzy (specially after all the ‘cakes.)

From there, we headed over to Griffith Park which was just amazing as can be at over 4,200 acres!  Just when we thought there was nothing better than NYC’s Central Park, we have found a pretty close runner-up. We went to the Los Angles Zoo (and okay- we ended up buying an annual pass) which is housed in the park, and had a wonderful time. Vanessa is in town for a few weeks and joined us as we buzzed through the zoo in 2 hours- just finishing up at closing time.

Saturday night was all about old Boston friends. Fashion and Jeremy were in town this week from El Salvador (sounds so exotic doesn’t it- we really DO want to come & visit soon!) and we finally got to meet their darling twins: Lorenzo & Emilia- who are the spitting image of their beautiful parents. Heidi & Russ (and growing bambino) also made a movie-star appearance and Rob & Mandy were absolute life-savers by bringing Evan along and giving Henry someone to play with all weekend long! With Evan’s big blue eyes and curly hair, we aren’t totally sure he’s Rob’s but we love him all the same. It was such fun to hang out until the wee-hours…we picked right up where we left off years ago… and I loved that. Rumor around town says that MORE old Boston friends will be in town next weekend. Hooray!! We can’t wait to see you!

Sunday night (yes, we were STILL going), we drove over to Santa Monica to take a walk on the pier. Because it was Memorial Day weekend, there was a huge memorial set up on the sand. It was called "Arlington West"  and was a re-creation of Arlington National Cemetary in Washington D.C.   They had one cross in the sand for every person who has died thus far in the war, which as of Sunday was 2, 464. It really was breath-taking and such a reminder of the bravery & courage of our brothers & sisters who are fighting in this war.

Today, it was all about relaxation (much-needed) so we packed up the beach umbrellas, coolers & towels and headed down to Seal Beach. We met Vanessa & Jesse and Ellen & Bodo down there and had such a great time! The weather was perfect and we never wanted to leave! So relaxing and I am especially excited about the red stripe going down the center of my legs from sitting in the sun too long. Ah.. what a fashion statement!

Good times were had by all! All the pics from the weekend can be found here: Memorial Day Weekend

I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days about ‘inspiration’ and ‘being inspired’.  I’m relatively new to this whole blogging world, but have come across some other blogs that I have fallen in love with and that have totally inspired me.  Inspired me to do what? I am not totally sure.. but I start getting all excited inside and just want to start making things. I think ‘I want to start sewing things!’ Cool- Yes- let’s start sewing. Then I remember I don’t own a sewing machine. But I do own lots of fabric and thread and needles and things that one would use to sew, just missing that pesky sewing machine. I know I posted a pic of Henry at the beach recently, but have been looking at this photo a lot over the past few days, trying to make a Thank You card for all the sweet friends who came to the party. I love this photo. Henry was already in his jammies and ready to be put to bed before we left for our drive- so that when we got home, we could put him right down. He actually fell asleep on the way to the beach- but I love that he is in his p.j’s in this picture. He inspires me.  He inspires me to want to be a better Mom, to make cool craft projects when he’s old enough to. I can’t wait to make him felt books and things. Things to keep him busy (and quiet) in church. I saw the coolest felt book years ago and it’s been on my brain ever since. Anyway- back to ‘Inspiration’.. being inspired is such a cool feeling.. These inspiring blogs that I’ve been chatting about make me want to learn to take better photographs, to become a better cook, to learn how to sew (again.. just need that one small thing.. a machine!) I’ve added a new column to my blog called ‘ Inspiring Sites.’  They are places I check out almost daily. Check them out. They are very cool. Maybe they will inspire you! It’s great to be able to see other peoples creations..it makes me want to get out there and make some stuff.. put your own spin on it.  Make it your own. Make it my own… What inspires you?

He is officially 1 year old! We had a great day today at the park. A little party with lots of friends and food. We were so touched that everyone came to share in the birthday celebration. We really do have such wonderful family and friends who are so supportive of us. This has been a wonderful, life-changing year for us and it just get’s better everyday. It’s been so exciting to see Henry grow and his personality is showing more & more. He’s started eating more and says "Mom" & "Dad" (we don’t think he actually realizes what he’s saying). His new found hobby is to stick his fingers up my nose while I nurse him. What Mother wouldn’t want that (umm..right here!) This year has really flown by and we are excited to see what the next year brings..(more babies…muhaha!!) All the photos from today can be seen in the Henry Birthday photo album.

We’ll share all your birthday greetings with Henry- so feel free to post them!!

Growing up, my parents had 5  little wooden chairs. One for each kid in the family. They were all different styles. Last time I was home, I chose this one for Henry. We went for a drive to the beach on Mothers Day and took the little chair with us. Henry was so content just sitting in it and watching the waves.

We are gearing up for his 1st Birthday this Saturday..we are going to have such fun!!

the greatest is to be a mother.  I’m celebrating my first Mother’s Day this year.  The birth of Henry not only made me a Mother, but it made Chris a Father. Our parents: Grandparents. Our brothers & sisters: Aunts & Uncles. It’s hard for me to celebrate Mothers Day, without celebrating Henry, who has allowed me to be a Mother. His Mother.

My life is brilliant. My love is pure. I saw an angel. Of that I’m sure.

I always think no Mother could possibly love their child as much as I love Henry. But they do. And that is what is so great about being a Mother.

I have loved being a Mother. It’s the hardest work I have ever done. Trying to find the balance of raising a kind & caring boy and not neglecting who I am. Who I was born to be. Taking care of myself. Taking time out for me. Exercizing the talents & gifts God has given me. Taking time to learn and grow.  The work of a Mother is never-ending, but so is the love of a child. And he is so worth it. I hope Henry will always know with surety how much he is loved. I’m hopeful that over the years, I will become a better Mother. That I will gain a better understanding of what it truely means to be a Mother. To be a good example, to have charity for others, to love unconditionally, to be steadfast, to laugh so hard we cry.  I am looking forward to those times….

                                                                                                                                         To my own Mother…

Thanks for making me wear dried flowers in my hair at the age of 5 and making me such a style magnet.  Thanks for being such a wonderful Mother (and now Grandmother!) I love you and all that you are and have become. Thanks for passing down your creative jeans (were those creative ‘tight girl jeans’ like the big girls had and that I always wanted?) I hope they’ve been passed on to Henry (not the tight ones).

To all the Mothers in my life (yes I am blessed to have 4 total), I am so glad that we are all family- thanks for your constant examples, friendship & love. Wishing you each a wonderful day. I hope you know how much you are loved-

Morgan

I went to a thrift shop earlier this week  to look for some old books that I could turn into picture frames to give as gifts.  They actually had a pretty good selection and I finished the last of them yesterday. They all have pics of Henry in them (for a certain holiday that’s coming up this Sunday). Anyway- they were fun to make. Next project… my new best friend: Freezer Paper! Will post more on that later- Have a great weekend!

The stamp that I ordered with our name & address FINALLY came in and I am totally in love with it..no more writing our return address-(am I lazy or what??) They have a ton of cool designs and you can put whatever you want on the stamp. The company that makes these is called Three Designing Women

We went to a BBQ at a park on Friday night and Henry had his first experience in riding in a swing ALL ALONE. He loved every single minute of it, and I loved watching him. I love watching him experience things for the first time. He is so sweet and curious about this big world he’s been thrown into!