School is in Session

Tomorrow marks the first day of school. As a teacher, I've always had first-day jitters about starting another school year but this year is different. For starters, I have a few remaining weeks of maternity leave that I'm desperately clinging to, so I won't be returning to work with my colleagues just yet. More significantly, though, my oldest child Winston is starting Kindergarten. Yikes. He's completely excited about it. His mother, on the other hand, is doing her best to let go--though she did sigh with relief when he asked to hold her hand this evening a the school's open house. : ) So whether you've got children returning to school tomorrow or not, let's all remember what it's like to experience those new beginnings and relish the thoughts...

A Trip to the Farmer's Market

I bought this dress yesterday at the Appleton Farmer's market. Isn't it neat? I just love the vintage flair. Olivia and I snuck over to the park yesterday so I could snap a few photos. I'm in love...

P.S. Notice how great the dress matches the leg warmers we already had? Am I good or what?

Project 52 Pics

This is Truman and Kelly, some of my Project 52 participants. Kelly is a school teacher so she had lots of time off this summer to snap pictures. Keep 'em coming, Kelly!

Mother Nature

So I arrive at one of my favorite little woods today excited to photograph some cute little fairies, only to find that this super awesome--and quite old, I might add--tree collapsed across the creek! A recent storm must have taken it down. I wanted to cry. Such a beautiful piece of nature, not to mention a wonderful picture spot, gone. My fairy pictures turned out great, mainly because the girls were just so darn cute, but I cannot help but still feel sad about this loss. It makes these pictures I took of my children shortly after Laela was born all the more precious.

Laela's New Hat

My friend's mother made this hat for me and I must say it sure is growing on me. I just love how cute Laela looks in it! Thanks, Linda!

Aydan

Many of you know how much I love flower gardens and since the move this last winter, it's been hard not having my beautiful blooms to enjoy. Luckily, though, my aunt, who is also an avid gardener, lives nearby, and I steal every chance I get to play in her gardens. This picture is especially sweet since Aydan is her grandbaby. : )

My Boy

Five years ago today, this beautiful boy entered our lives. My husband and I could not believe how quickly he consumed our hearts. Today, he's a sports maniac who insists on wearing "official" gear for whatever sport he's playing...he's a kind, compassionate big brother to baby Laela....he's the perfect playmate for his sister Olivia, who is just a mere 11 months younger. Today is he five, and that makes me both sad and proud at the same time. Sad, because my little boy is growing up, and proud because he's growing up into such an awesome little person. We love you Winston--you are my sunshine! : )

Field Trip

I'm having a trunk show to showcase Matilda Jane's new fall line, "Field Trip." The show is Wednesday, August 11th from 6-8 pm. Please feel free to stop by to check out these fabulous clothes; email me for directions to my house. To see more items from "Field Trip", check out my Facebook page.

Sweet Dreams

The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child. ~Joe Houldsworth

Emmaxia

"There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again." - Elizabeth Lawrence