Day 1

Surprisingly, the first day of school went quite well over here. The kids woke up on their own and got themselves dressed while I made breakfast and packed lunches. Teeth brushed, hair done, snapped a few pics, and Derek dropped them off on his way to work. He said Clay walked right in with no hesitation, and once Clara's teacher greeted her, she was just fine. No tears- hallelujah! They both have amazing teachers this year, so I'm not a bit worried. Just a few more weeks until Janie starts preschool- what will I do with all my free time?

Carlsbad

It's been hard to get back into the swing of things after such a fun, relaxing week in Carlsbad, CA. We relaxed on the beach just about every day, took the kids to Legoland, ate lots of yummy food (I gained 3 pounds), and shopped at antique stores, the Carlsbad outlets, and Architectural Salvage ( a must if you're in San Diego!). It was the perfect family vacation.

Friday Finds

Another great trip to Salvation Army this week! I always go with the purpose of finding things to re-sell, but of course I decide to hang on to most things I purchase. It's a terrible habit! I do, however, have more items to part with so check the sale!

Charleston, S.C.

Derek went to Charleston about a month ago for work, and he took these pictures of homes he though I'd like. He was right!

The architecture is beautiful!

When will people realize that just because we live in AZ doesn't mean everything has to be desert and Santa Fe style?

My personal favorites

Love the entry with the ivy steps!

If only this were for sale...

A Safe Return

It's so fun to have Carter home! He served an outstanding mission and I'm sure that even without the nametag, he'll continue to be a great missionary. He grew a few inches so he towers over the rest of us, even my dad!

His mission souvenir - About a year into his mission, he was trimming a member's tree and the branch he was standing on broke, and he fell about 18 feet and landed on his face. He broke his wrist and shattered his orbital bone. He's left with 2 pretty big scars and doesn't have full vision in his left eye, but he (and we) feels blessed because it could have been much worse. He was able to make a miraculous recovery and finish his mission and we are so proud of him.

Friday Finds

Short on time again this week with family in town due to my brother coming home from serving his 2 year mission to Independence, Missouri. Lots going on this weekend! Candice and I squeezed in a trip to Goodwill Redesign in Scottsdale, and while a bit disappointed with that store, we did spot another Goodwill down the road where I found this set of bottles. I loved the shape and the fact that there was a set of 10; I just couldn't pass them up! I wasn't sure where I'd put them at first, but I was inspired by this picture from Velvet and Linen where she put some old electrical insulators on her window ledge.

So that's where mine went. Subtle, but beautiful.

Snippet and Ink

Now these are inspiration boards done right. I love every single one! Although this blog is for wedding inspiration, I think a lot of the ideas are great for entertaining. Looking forward to cooler weather- I have a fall picnic in the works!

Friday Finds

Have I told you how much I love estate sales? Well, I do. A lot. I know I've said this before, but these really are my favorite finds yet. Total spent? A whopping $45! The chairs need recovering, but at $25 for the pair, I couldn't pass them up!


I also went to my first estate auction last weekend and it was so much fun! I got a few box lots full of frames, dishes, and other odds and ends, and this amazing cabinet for an unbelievable deal. I just listed it on Craigslist, so we'll see what happens. Once I finish sorting through everything, I'll have more great finds listed on home sweet sale (should be Monday). Happy weekend!