NEW TOY BOXES

I've mentioned before how great our Papa is.  Since Christmas he's been working on these awesome toy boxes for the kids.  I sent him a couple of pictures from pinterest that I liked and he came up with these.  

These kiddos are the luckiest!

We finished Liam's off with casters.  It's so big, he can easily fit inside!

Planning to get all the toys organized this weekend and fill them up.  I love feeling organized and hopefully these will help us get one step closer!

MAKING EXERCISE A HABIT

I have always heard if you do something every day for 21 days it becomes a habit.  Well, after six months I finally feel like I can say that I've made a habit of working out.  I have always struggled with making exercising a priority.  I would do something for a little while and then eventually quit when it got too hard to make happen.

I realized this week that it's been six months since I started doing spin classes--I go anywhere from 3-5 days a week!  This is officially the most dedicated I've ever been at working out.  It made me really excited, since I often feel like I'm lacking considerably at being disciplined in anything. 

It helped when I decided I had to go early in the morning--which is the only time I have available to go.  After school is spent running to dance, piano, art, buying groceries, and all of those things moms do.  So, mornings are my time.  I usually wake up around 4:50...roll out of bed, dress, and am out the door by 5:00.  I  love the feeling of having that workout done.  Then I can spend the rest of my day taking care of my family.

I've lost several inches and even got into a pair of pants this week that I haven't worn in 3 years!
I still have a work to do, but it's so good to see results happening--even when they're slow.
Here's to six more months of becoming more and more healthy!

A PET PARADE PARTY

This past weekend we had a joint party for Anne and Liam. Well, if we're being honest it was more for Anne but we tagged Liam on since he's too young to know we didn't have a separate party just for him.

Anne has forever wanted to have a dog party. Since this is the first year we've actually had a dog I finally went with it! We kept it really simple but basically everyone was invited to bring their "polite" pets on a leash. We paraded around Gardiner Park and the kids had a blast!  It was really cute!  Here are just a few pictures of the day from my phone. 

I was very proud of anne when she agreed to accept donations for the animal rescue league in lieu of gifts.  In addition to lots of dog food and pet supplies we raised $125!  This little girl has such a sweet heart and I'm so proud of her every day. 

Happy birthday my sweet girl!

THE ROOT COLLECTIVE

 Some of you may already know that I've started sharing a retail space at Southern Antique's with my friend Shauna. After we got started stocking things in our space, we decided to add these fair trade sari silk skirts to the mix--which I LOVE.  Our friend Hope has also opened a space right next to us that has only fair trade items.  Before this, I was kind of clueless when it came to fair trade.  I wasn't even exactly sure what that meant.  I've started following several fair trade retailers over on instagram and learning more about these companies and how they partner with artisans from other countries that make all types of products.  These companies then buy from them to resale here.  It's a win win for both parties involved!  

One of the retailers that I've recently come to love is The Root Collective.  After doing a little research on their company and the people they are partnered with in Guatemala, I was excited to share more about them.  Bethany has a beautiful story of how the root collective was born over on their site if you're interested in learning more.  I love the idea of spending my money on things that matter and that are making a difference in people's lives.  Especially when it's things that you're going to buy anyway. 

One thing this company does that I love is give 10% of all sales back to the artisans.  This just shows they truly care about these people and want them to have the opportunity to better grow their businesses and communities.

Also, I've been needing a new pair of black flats and can't wait to order a pair of theirs.  Aren't they darling!!?    

SPRING IN FEBRUARY

Monday wasn't so bad.  The weather was gorgeous out, so while Anne had her first art lesson with her Uncle Adam, Liam and I got to do lots of playing outside in their secret garden of a yard!  

Their house  was built in the 1800's I believe and is just beautiful.  I hope they'll let me share a house tour one day soon!

On another happy note, we stocked a few bunnies in our booth at Southern Antiques today!  There are only ten, but I'm hoping it won't take me a month to get more up there.  Making these sweet little bunnies has been so much fun for me.  Anne and I have gotten to spend lots of time together working on them and hopefully she's learning some things along the way.

BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST

We are celebrating Liam's 2nd birthday today!  What better way to start the day than with donuts!!?? 

 We are having a party in a few weeks for he and Anne since they share a birthday month. More on that in a few days! 

I'm so very thankful for this little guy. God knew what we needed when he gave him to us.

BAKING WITH KIDS

Since it's been so cold, it seems like we're always looking for something fun to do inside.  Going to the park isn't my idea of fun when it's 40 degrees outside.
Monday, Anne and I baked cookies after Liam went to bed.  She really did most of it by herself.  I love that she is interested in cooking.  She's starting to make a great little helper in the kitchen.  This particular night we made these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.  They were not my favorite, but I'm an oatmeal cookie kinda girl anyway!