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one-three

 

Maybe it’s because we just got back from helping Oliver celebrate his first birthday, and he reminds me of you at that age so very much. Maybe it’s just because I’m a great big sap. Whatever it is, I’m having a hard time dealing with you turning 13 today. You are so excited to officially be a teenager, and I know we are lucky that you will likely be a drama-free teen, for the most part. Looking back at this picture of you at just a year old, I’m amazed at how much you have grown & changed over the past 12 years. You have become such an amazing, interesting, intelligent person, and I feel so very lucky to have you in my life. I don’t know that I’ll ever have the words to let you see how you changed my life 13 years ago, but it is something I am incredibly thankful for every single day. I love you, Cass.

photos: Brooke, Scotty, and Kase

Photos from a session a couple of weeks ago:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

just one of those months

I thought things would slow down once October finished -- after all, that meant Cassidy's cross-country and soccer seasons would be over, leaving only band and academic team. Unfortunately, November is promising to be just as busy. The girls both have birthdays this month, so that's three parties -- one for each girl, with friends, and one together with family. Then there's Thanksgiving and the traveling involved, plus a work conference for me, two big campus events, another weekend of traveling for a nephew's party. Oh, and major projects due in my three classes I'm taking, plus comps on Saturday. Whew. I'm tired.

I have so much I want to share and get posted here, but I'm just running out of time to get it done. So for today, I'm leaving you with two things:

1. Visit Lauren Reid's blog -- she's doing 29 Gifts for November, which means there's a little freebie for you every day this month. Lauren is one of the most generous people I know, not to mention a talented designer, and this is just one more reason why I love her so much.

2. Liz has a couple of great quickpages, designed by Cindee Bae, in the shop. More gorgeous work. Sigh. Also check out her blog -- she's put some fabulous content up there, as well.

Here's a photo share as well. I spent the first part of this week in Cincinnati, which I'd never visited before. In fact, it was full of firsts for me -- meeting Barb, touring the Mt. Adams area, shopping in an Ikea store (oh heaven, you come in a box with Swedish instructions ready for assembly!). 

 

 

 

 

lot's going on

Liz is releasing a new set of fall-themed Presslines today -- they are 30% off for the first 24 hours and then 15% off through November 8th. 

 

The great thing is that they coordinate wonderfully with many of her kits. Here's a quick layout I put together using some of my favorite recent photos of the season.

In Good Company

Liz has a new collab out today; she's teamed up with the talented Leora Sanford at Little Dreamer Designs to produce a gorgeous new kit that's perfect for layouts documenting all your holiday entertaining, as well as special times spent with family. It's called In Good Company and it's a stunning mix of blues, greens, and grays. Right now it's 15% off until November 8, and you get free quickpages too. Visit the shop at http://www.oscraps.com..

I was able to put together a couple of layouts with it. It was perfect for a layout documenting the great food Chris and I ate while we were in San Francisco this summer.

What's great, though, is that this kit can be used for much  more than food and entertainment layouts. I put together another quick one this evening, based on an event that happened just this afternoon with my youngest daughter.

 

Both girls have birthdays coming up in November; because much of our family lives an hour or more away, we opt to do one joint family party for the both of them. Liz and Leora's kit was the perfect option for the invitations. I printed them on glossy photo paper after experimenting with cardstock -- I just wasn't pleased with the texture and colors. I'll slip these into invitation-sized envelopes, address, and mail them out. Quick, easy, and so beautiful.

 

 

it's official...

fall is definitely here -- this little guy is my "official" sign!

dreaming of a little vacation in the city

My 10th wedding anniversary will be in March. After my first trip to San Francisco, I told Chris that that's where I'd like to go for our anniversary when #10 rolls around. Luckily, we actually got the chance to go, just he and I, this past summer. So that's one "want" marked off my list. Still, I would like to take a nice weekend together when March rolls around, and I've been eyeballing this place lately. Isn't it so amazing?

dwell nine twelve | a modern abode b&b

 
Isn't it absolutely gorgeous? I love the modern decor, I love the idea of having a place like this right in the middle of the city -- that mix of getaway and get-closer.

St. Louis is located just a few hours drive from us, too. We've been a time or two to see a concert at The Pageant with friends, though much of our time was spent in Granite City rather than in STL itself.

 

I know the middle of March isn't the ideal time to visit STL, but that can't be helped. So for those of you who've spent some time in the city, what cool things do we want to make sure we do while we're there?

(all images via the Dwell website)

have you seen this?

My friend Jennifer at Simple Scrapper has teamed up with Operation Write Home to provide digital scrappers an opportunity to use the hobby they love to bring a little cheer to our soldiers serving overseas. To find out more about this charitable challenge and to take the pledge, click here.

10 on Tuesday: the music edition

Here's a list of songs that are on constant repeat on my iPod these days. It's a random eclectic mix, but these are the songs I'm enjoying right now for a variety of reasons. Feel free to share your recent favorites with me, too, in the comments section below.

1. Magpie to the Morning, Neko Case -- I just love her voice, and this one just makes me want to sing along.

2. Be Here Now, Ray LaMontagne -- This song is just so fitting for this time of year, although I think it will be even more so in the winter.

3. Wake Up, Arcade Fire -- I keep listening to this as a reminder of Where the Wild Things Are. Love how the music progresses here.

4. Glass, Ingrid Michaelson -- I'm a sucker for a sad song, and this is easily one of my all-time favorites.

5. Rise Up with Fists!, Jenny Lewis -- Thanks to Pamela for introducing me to Jenny Lewis. Hers is another voice I'm in love with right now.

6. An Ocean and a Rock, Lisa Hannigan -- One that has grown on me. Quirky and interesting, and Hannigan's voice is just enchanting.

7. Magick, Ryan Adams -- This sounds like a Neil Young song to me, which reminds me of my dad.

8. Falling or Flying, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals  -- Another good one I came across; gorgeous voice.

9. The Fixer, Pearl Jam -- I'm a fan of anything Pearl Jam. 'Nuff said.

10.Wunderkind, Alanis Morissette -- Another one I keep coming back to. The girls enjoy it too.

October, stay a little longer, please?

Delicious autumn!  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.  ~George Eliot