21 Months

There she is folks. Twenty-one months. The girls acts like she's going on three. So much happened over this past month with her in terms of "growing up." We transitioned her into a "big girl" bed. Technically it was her crib and turned it into a toddler bed. Oh what a transition that was. She had been climbing in and out of her crib, so even though we hadn't planned on her being wild and free so soon, we had to change those plans. We figured safety is greater than sleep. How did she do? Well...there were definitely no naps at all that week. No matter what we did. She did better at going down for the night, but that still required some begging and pleading until she just grew too tired and crashed. Thankfully she is doing so much better now. She still doesn't like to go to sleep by herself (really can you blame her?). I lay down with her at naptime until she is either on the verge of sleep, or is asleep. Technically I stay with her until she is asleep because I always fall asleep as well. Whoops. At night I will lay down with her, or Josh will rock her, or sometimes she just goes to bed on her own. We take it day by day around here. 

Other than that, she has just been learning non-stop. She keeps amazing us with how much she learns each day. I had no idea that her memory was as good as it was until she started repeating things we had talked about the day before. She also doesn't miss a thing. She hears every word and sees every action. Thankfully we are pretty  careful with what we say and do and yet we still feel like there are so many things we didn't even realize we said until she repeats it. Another whoops. 

Things You Love

Being outside

BUBBLES

Horses

Building towers

PEOPLE

Giving hugs

Eebee (a show on Netflix that you are OBSESSED with)

Bella

Being a tickle monster

Goodnight Moon

Almonds, "Cackas" (crackers), "Pufths" (Puffed Rice), "CHEEEEESE,"  "Nokey" (milk)

Your friends and cousins

DANCING

Singing

Saying your "ABC's" 

Things You Don't Love

Getting the knots combed out of your curls

Wearing anything in your hair

When things don't go your way

Oh, Eden...we love you so much. Each month is a new adventure with you. You are one loving, hilarious, adorable little girl. You make friends everywhere we go. I love that you are your own little person. I see you being an independent girl who always does her own thing, no matter what others think. I never thought I would say this as a mom, but I admire you. You are an amazing girl and daughter. I love you my little bug.

I wish I had captured all of her legs in this one. It looks like she is totally rocking a kickboxing move.

I love her wild hair.

Time to start planning your 2 year birthday party...

Project 52:25 | Overwhelmed

I've seen the signs for awhile. It started as a gentle whisper and has slowly turned into a very loud yell. I have a very strong tendency towards putting too much on my plate. I am by no means as busy as most people I know. I watch my friends and think "how do they do it all?!" Yet, I have realized that I have my own limit and every time I push myself too hard I break. It happened today (well it's been happening throughout the week). I found myself craving the sweet melodies of worship. I put my headphones in, turned on my favorite worship music radio station, and tuned out. The tears started falling. I couldn't stop them. I fell to the floor in my closet and let the sobs escape my lips. I gave up trying to pretend I was strong. I wanted to be able to do everything and I didn't want to let anyone down. I had so many people counting on me and it turns out by pushing myself and not ever saying no I have now gotten to a point where I am mostly useless. I need to pack for the weekend. I need to clean the house, and yet, I can't move. Literally my limbs were heavy and I couldn't pick myself up off the ground. I don't like feeling this way, especially when I have a sick toddler who needs me. Every time I kick myself for ignoring those gentle whispers, urging me to slow down, to lighten the load I was trying to carry by myself. I didn't listen. On top of all of that it's been a bit of an emotional week for our family. I know I always tell you how I want to be open and honest, but this is just something that needs to be between us for now. I'm sure it'll be shared when the timing is right, but for now I need to process in my own way. 

Thanks for letting me pour my heart out on my blog. These Project 52 posts really are therapeutic and so very good for my soul. Each week I learn so much more about myself and my Savior. I feel like I see Him in a new light each day. I am loving growing with Him. I love knowing that even when I am so weary, He is taking on all of my burdens. Now I just need to let Him. 

For more Project 52 goodness, check out these fine blogs:

styleberry BLOG, Lucas and Mahina, Wicked Kate, The Mog Blog, Dana Moran Photography

Let me know if you want to join in on the fun! It's never too late to start your Project 52 :)

First Birthday Carnival Invitation

Well, despite the fact that I STILL have a sweet little Minnie Mouse birthday party invite that I did forever and a day ago, I am going to share Beckett's invite. I would like to say it's because my twin is harassing me or something, but truly it's because I misplaced my photo files of the invites, so you are stuck looking at my favorite invite to date. I know, how terrible of me.

Now this definitely needs a disclaimer. No matter what the twin says, she did a lot of the work on these. She would like to make you all think I did the majority of the work, but she is wrong. I wish I could take all the credit, because I would be pretty darn proud of my work. I will say that after having her show me ideas of invitations that she liked for Beckett's first birthday party, this is the design I came up with. So, technically they were her ideas, and then I would tweak them to my liking (because I am the only one that matters right...ha...totally kidding...seriously). 

If you are new here or read this blog all the time and had no idea that I had a twin. Well, I don't. Although we still think we may be separated at birth. I'm sure I have introduced her here a time or two (she and I really need to get better at getting photos taken together!). Quick story...we met at Nordstrom. She worked in Kid's Shoes and I worked in Kid's Wear. Surprisingly it wasn't love at first sight or anything. We became friends after people kept getting us mixed up. We were given the names Mary-Kate and Ashley (yes, after the most gorgeous twins out there). We started chatting and found out we were born in the same hospital in L.A. WHAT?! I knew I was adopted. After some years we have become great friends with two children who love each other. It's awesome. The end.

So, want to see what happens when twins design an invite. 

Nothing.

Okay, just kidding. Here it is. Hopefully I haven't talked it up too much. And hopefully all of you realize I don't find myself to be particularly talented, I just like to brag about the twin's amazing talent. 

Cute right?! I loved her idea to incorporate the bunting. 

Also, I am starting to have a little too much fun while staging photo shoots. Exhibit A.

Why, yes...that is a lion with a mustache. 

I hope you all loved this one. Each time I make an invitation I start to realize how much I love it. I would have never thought I would say that. I have absolutely zero background in design and have no idea what I am doing (and don't you dare say you noticed). Obviously I am not as talented as SOME of my friends, and I don't dare try to live up to certain standards (MEGAN WARD), but I am glad I can have fun pretending. 

Next up...the amazing party Kirsten threw for Beckett's first birthday. You guys. I am not even kidding. She is beyond talented. She doesn't know it, but while I was at it I snapped a few photos of his room (I'm so creepy like that). One of these days I am going to crash her door down and do a full photo shoot of her amazing house. Don't worry, I'll repair the door.

**Some blogging business. I have been feeling like I need to take down the comments. I started this blog for fun...for Josh and I...for a way to document our lives. I am so thankful to everyone who reads and don't want you all to leave, but I am finding that I am so worried about the amount of comments I don't get that I am losing focus on the fun part. Then, I start realizing that I am blogging to get recognition, and that is absolutely not what I want. I love sharing our lives for our own purposes, but also to show you that we aren't perfect and we are just trying to have fun. To show you that even klutzy and non-creative people can pretend like they know how to craft. To show you that I like food. A lot. And that I cook and have no idea what I am doing. I want this blog to be uplifting. The funny thing is, while some posts may not receive comments here, they have all brought about conversations. I love that when I run into people (ouch!) around town (or even sometimes when we are out of town) that you have something to share with me. I love that you are being inspired. I can't take credit for that. I try to always remember to pray when I am writing, to ensure that I am always doing something for His glory. It doesn't always happen, but I'm trying.

Anyway...the comments are going away. For a day...a week..forever...I don't know. I don't want that to mean you don't talk to me if you have a question or something to say. PLEASE DO! I'm always available in all the avenues you always talk to me in. And I will always have my email address available. I love connecting with all of you, so please don't think that has changed. I love you all! 

XoXo,

Mallory

Contact me at thecrainsnest[at]gmail[dot]com

Project 52:24 | Fatherhood

Oh sorry. I kind of failed at getting this Project 52 up on time. I feel like life is just extremely overwhelming right now. In fact, I was thankful when Josh took the car away so I couldn't go on all of the errands I planned on running, because honestly, I NEEDED to be at home taking care of things. I am really working on saying 'no' and learning when I am overloading myself...but  for some reason my schedule keeps getting more hectic. Lame.

Well, as we all know yesterday was Father's Day. It may be a holiday for greeting card companies, but I am all for celebrating the daddies of this world. Plus I made my own card...so TAKE THAT card companies. Although Eden and I try to do something special for daddy every day because we love him, it's nice to have an excuse to spoil him just a bit more than usual. Sunday morning I made him cream cheese pancakes. Someone needs to stage an intervention, we are obsessed. There was also some homemade yogurt with berries there too. Then he was off to church early because he was handling the media for the morning. 

After church we came home and relaxed. We gave daddy his present, which was a tool box full of BBQ tools. I am so thankful for a husband who LOVES to BBQ. Whenever he starts it up, he then begs me to find anything and everything to throw on there. The boy would BBQ chocolate if he could. 

Then it was off to Claim Jumper with my parents where we met up with my brother and sister-in-law. I tried to get pictures of them playing with Eden (they are the world's best babysitters whenever we are out), but the lighting in there was terrible and it just didn't look great. 

Obviously I had to have a photo shoot with the men of the hour. 

  

And because I think this one is hilarious...I am including a (very terrible) photo of Eden. She is yelling "glassies!" at me. The girl loves to put sunglasses on everyone. This includes poor innocent cousin babies who come over to play. Sorry Hayley! 

What a great day full of family and fun we had. Too bad we can't have ALL our family in one place ever. It just never works out that way. We missed you Dad #2 (or #1). 

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

You Make Me Sing

As you heard me all say, last week was our anniversary. Due to the nature of our non-existent income and budget we were struggling with how to make our 5 year anniversary special. We knew we needed it. It had been 2 years since we had been away together and after everything that has happened in those 2 years, we both knew it was vital. I can get caught up in frugality, which I don't think is always a bad thing, but it keeps us from doing a lot of things that we probably should. I so don't want to spend money right now, so I had to look at it as investing in our marriage and our family. Eden (and any future children) need to see that their parents cherish each other. That they take time to love one another. We LOVE Eden and have a VERY hard time being away from her, but we both agreed that it was the right thing to do. So, my parents very willingly took her overnight and I took a giant inhale and pretended like I didn't know that we had no money to be spending. I let Josh handle it. It was so so so hard because I like to control our spending, but he kept reminding me it was taken care of.

I can easily say that was the best investment I have ever made.

I am telling all of you right now...if you are married...and ESPECIALLY if you have children...please try to take some time to go somewhere and be rejuvenated with your spouse. I had no idea how much we needed that until we were gone. Wow. It felt like I lost 20 pounds of stresses and worries and life as soon as we headed out of Salem. 

Do it.

Anyway, we headed up to Portland for a night away. This is a tradition for us...well was, until Eden came along. Neither of us remember what we did last year, but we know we happily stayed with Eden and I am sure had lots of fun. I think what worked best for us was that Josh and I planned it together. I have a tendency to sort of completely take over any planning and become a control freak. Then I get sad because "I ALWAYS plan everything and you are NEVER romantic." Whoa. I kind of forget that A) I am the reason why Josh can't plan anything and B) I promised to never say never or always. In the words of Eden, "uuupsies!" So, Josh, being the perfect match for me, wrote down an itinerary. This was to ensure that everything I was dreaming of doing would be fit into our short little weekend, but that we could leave room for little surprises too. And you know what? It was perfect. We missed out on our trip to Powell's, but other than that everything happened as it should. 

1. Nothing. 2. Friday trip to Five Guys. 3. Idaho Potatoes. 4. "May the odds be ever in your favor." 5. The world's largest straw (or the world's smallest cup?). 6. Dress shopping for me, but couldn't resist a little something for the mini-me. 7. The view from The Paramount. 8. Sweet note  and gift from the hotel. 9. Jetted tub. 'Nuff said.

1. Certainly not my taste in bedding. 2. Us. 3. Get a room. 4. Hunger+desperation=first trip to Jimmy John's. 5. Best deli EVER. 6. Sweet dreams Portland. 7. I need a bigger mirror, I didn't realize my hair was THAT LONG. 8. Sunday devotions @ Sisters Coffee Co. 9. I need to live in the Pearl.

 

1. Breakfast in bed (barf-o-rama food). 2. Vintage treasures. Love. 3. Art installation @ Anthro. 4. We found Eden in the city. 5. I could live there, but then I would be cheating on Limeberry. 6. Further proof that I could live there. 7. Did I mention that I am in love with their ice cream? 8. Old Town Pizza. Inhaled. 9. Old Married Couple. 

Other little tidbits.

• Finding myself constantly saying "it's too quiet" from lack of toddler screams
• 7:30 a.m. wake-up call (excuse me...the ONE thing I wanted was to SLEEP IN hotel people!)
• Sipping on sparkling apple juice and wine
• Realizing I am NOT a downtown Portland kind of girl. I was out of my element.
• Please transport me to the country. I need me some space. 
• In awe at how quiet the downtown streets are Sunday morning
• A room with a Nordstrom view. Perfect.
• Using candle 'apps' on our phones
• Falling over at the 16.99 price tag on a hotel movie rental (for reals?!)
• Someone thinking lived in the Pearl District. Don't mind if I do.
• Walking into a GIANT corner room with a jetted tub. Fabulous.

I'm sure it's only slightly obvious that I enjoyed my weekend. We wished we could just pick up Eden and bring her with us. Too bad reality set in and now I'm feeling like a single mom as the hubs slaves away.

**I also wanted to thank you all for your messages about my last post. It's encouraging to know how many of you desire to have an awesome relationship with your husband. I know no one wants to have a hard marriage. The one thing Josh and I learned this weekend after reading an incredible book, "Growing a Spiritual Family," was how important prayer is in your marriage. If you are a believer, please let go of your insecurities and pray each day with your spouse. Josh and I would pray together on occasion, but never made it a habit. It's already made a world of difference now that we are striving to pray together each day. It can be intimidating for many (praying in front of people is a huge struggle of mine), but let go of those insecurities. Make prayer a conversation. Don't worry about it being "perfect." And one last thing. Know that you aren't alone. 

Project 52:23 | Marriage (And Our Love Story)

5 years. That's how long it's been since I walked down the aisle and became a wife. 5 years of bliss and utter craziness. Some days have been so hard, but most days have been absolutely wonderful. Josh and I are the first to tell you marriage hasn't been easy. As always we try to stay open and honest in hopes that it may just help someone else out there.

5 years ago we literally jumped into marriage. We met in August 2006 in our first class of our junior year of college. We had an instant connection. A couple weeks later I went to watch one of his soccer games (he played for the school) and was walking over to tell him how awesome he did when I saw another girl jump into his arms. I was defeated. Thankfully I had a friend there to remind me he and I were just friends...hardly even that, we had JUST met. I had no idea how much I cared for him until that moment. I had told myself over and over that I wasn't going to let it go anywhere...I didn't want a boyfriend and I most certainly didn't want to even think of having a SERIOUS relationship with anyone. I had been hurt, very badly, by a boy a couple years prior and I had decided that marriage and relationships weren't for me (sidenote: that boy is a great guy, it's just the two of us together were a disaster).

Oh how wrong I was.

On October 31 we became a couple (don't worry Josh had broken up with his girlfriend shortly after that game...I'm not a boyfriend stealer!). We watched scary movies, carved pumpkins, and were quite attached to each other. It was moving so fast,  but I just couldn't help it, I knew he was the one for me.

On November 6 we both had written letters (unbeknownst to one another) stating that we loved each other. 

Within a few days we both saw those letters and said it for real.

On December 21 (after a loooooooong flight back from Europe where I had been with friends) Josh took me to a dock on Capitol Lake in Olympia and got down on one knee.

I said YES! 

On June 6, 2007 we were MARRIED. 

Then life started. I had gone through some counseling to work through my past issues. I wanted to be proactive before we got married knowing that my past relationship was still very much a part of me. It wasn't enough. God needed us to work through it together and break those barriers. The first year and a half was the hardest and worst time of my life in some ways. I'm so thankful it was Josh I was going through it with, but I was scared, hurt, and a complete mess. I said words I never thought I would say, I did things I never thought I would do...I didn't even know who I was anymore. All of my past bubbled up into someone who was so hurt and confused that she couldn't even let her own husband in. I was in my own dark world. 

The good news is, this story has a happy beginning (we have many more years before I can say ending). After years of tears, counseling, reading, and lots and lots of prayer...we broke through the barriers. We started to understand our differences. We embraced them. The most important thing for us was that Josh never quit on me. I tried quitting..I wanted out (or so I thought). I just didn't want to deal with the hard stuff. HE NEVER LEFT.

Our biggest advice to our friends as they get ready to walk down the aisle is always to stick it out. Don't run. Don't leave each other. Your marriage is sacred and needs to stay between you. And please, please, please don't go back to your parents (unless of course there is a safety issue, but for that I think you'll need even more help). We are asked to "leave and cleave" and honestly it hinders your relationship with your spouse and your family. I'm not trying to preach here, just telling you what we have learned so far. 

If you are more of a reading type...we had great success with the Love Dare. It is hard, but we learned a lot. 

Don't feel bad if you have to go to counseling. Even if it's the day after your wedding. Marriage isn't easy. You are bringing two lives together. 

Some of you may not have had a hard time adjusting to marriage and that's awesome! I know those couples and love them dearly and am so thankful for great examples of what marriage can be like when we let go of our expectations and just enjoy the greatest bond we have on this earth. 

If you want to chat more with me about our story or anything please don't hesitate. thecrainsnest[at]gmail[dot]com. I am more than willing to share more...just not right here on the blog :)

We are a success story and want everyone else to be too. We believe so fully in marriage. Some days we wake up, look at one another, and just shake our heads in disbelief at how far we have come. Josh is a wonderful man, husband, and father...happy 5 years babe!

For more Project 52 goodness, check out these fine blogs:

styleberry BLOG, Lucas and Mahina, Wicked Kate, The Mog Blog, Dana Moran Photography

Let me know if you want to join in on the fun! It's never too late to start your Project 52 :)

Oregon Coast Or Bust

The day after Mother's Day the three of us (Bella had to stay home) packed up the car and headed towards the ocean for a fun little random trip. The weather report said it was going to be 75 degrees and sunny and since this is completely unheard of at the Oregon Coast we didn't even take a second to think about it. On our drive over we had the sunroof open, music playing, and great conversations were had. As soon as we neared the coast, the gloom set in. There was that dark gray fog that we have come to know so well. We shook it off thinking that it was going to burn off soon. So, the three of us jumped out of the car in our shorts and shirts and crossed our fingers that it would warm up quickly because it was chilly absolutely freezing.

The biggest theme you will see from these photos is Eden's current obsession with birds. The second will be the gray clouds. 

You may not be able to see the birds, but they are most definitely there. The girl cried when we left them.

Since we were frozen all the way to our insides we ran over to Kyllos in Lincoln City and grabbed a bowl of clam chowder and a hazelnut salad. SOOO GOOD and exactly what we needed. 

And then we went home.

So yes, we drove an hour to get to the coast, saw the ocean for 5 minutes, ate, and came home. Not exactly what we expected at all, but it ended up being exactly what we needed. Maybe one day I will see the sun at the Oregon Coast...but after almost 20 years of living here I seriously doubt it. 

*By the way...Eden's boyfriend turned ONE this past weekend and his party was nothing short of AMAZING. Seriously my twin has talent. She says she couldn't have done it without me, but the girl is just crazy because she worked hard on that party and it shows. I CANNOT WAIT to show you all photos of his day and show you the invite her and I worked on together. That post is coming soon...I even already have the photos ready so I am not just saying that ;)

Yogurt Making Adventures

I went one step further in my food journey. I made my own yogurt. I never even knew you could do that until about 9 months ago. I think at the time I said, "I'll never do that. I'll just buy it at the store and leave that to the real farmers." I laugh at myself. If you ever here me say "never" I can guarantee I'll be doing it soon. I once said I would never marry...and here I am 5 years later and quite happy that I did in fact get married.

So you aren't here to learn about the random things in my life so let me just move on and tell you all about my yogurt making adventures. Honestly? It was EASY. I will admit I am scared beyond belief of the other yogurt making methods out there that I have come across. No matter how many picture tutorials I see...I CAN'T DO IT. I just can't get past this fear that I will fail. So, I went with what I had on hand...a crockpot...and I followed a very easy recipe. I still can't believe I made yogurt in my crockpot. I love the beast (nickname for my EXTRA LARGE crockpot). It has served me well making many soups and lately cooking whole chickens and then making homemade stock out of the bones. So imagine my surprise when I read that I could use that same contraption to make yogurt. The crockpot really is my friend. 

I used a recipe from Heartland Renaissance and loved it. Here is the yogurt cooking away...

I was so scared to open the lid when it was done. I was so sure it would end up just being milk in there, but seriously after all those hours of cooking and incubating I had real live full of probiotics yogurt!! You guys...it was the most amazing sight. We go through yogurt ridiculously fast and buying the most expensive one...usually Brown Cow Whole Milk Yogurt with the cream on top. SOOOO YUMMY! Spending almost $4 on 32 ounces of yogurt that only lasted us a couple days was just not working for me. Literally the only "start up" cost was a half gallon of milk and one cup of yogurt from the store. Next time I'll just use a 1/2 cup of yogurt from the batch I just made (which I already have hidden away in the fridge) and then my only cost will be the half gallon of milk. So for less than $2 I will have 4 pints of yogurt...amazing. 

I'm in love.

For those of you wondering...yes we do drink raw milk, but I chose not to use it for yogurt making. It's pretty much impossible to make good yogurt and keep the milk in its raw state. While the raw milk would still have the benefits coming from grass fed cows, to me it wasn't worth it at this time. We are on a TIGHT budget so we treat every bit of our milk like gold. We choose to drink the milk raw and I just went and bought regular whole milk (hormone free). We will probably sub organic milk (be sure its not ultra pasteurized!) from time to time, but for now we feel like this is one place where we can save a lot of money, and still get the benefits. We just have to pick and choose. 

Seriously, if I can make my own yogurt YOU CAN TOO. I mean it. Let me know if you have questions...this was my first attempt so I'm certainly no pro, but I love trying to help. 

If the crockpot method isn't for you, there is this updated version. 

Need more inspiration? Kitchen Stewardship just finished up some awesome tutorials.


***UPDATE:
6/8/12

I have a 6 qt. crockpot (most recipes call for a 4 qt.) and through some trial and error I landed on the perfect timing for an even thicker yogurt. While the last one tasted great, this one just looks almost perfect.

Tip #1: During the first step, let it sit on keep warm (or low if you don't have that setting) for another 10-20 minutes.

Tip #2: Let the yogurt sit 30-45 minutes longer during the second step (so 3 1/2 or so instead of just 3).

Tip #3: Don't move your crockpot! (I had an ant invasion in my kitchen...apparently they could smell it cooking from outside?!).

Tip #5: When whisking in your yogurt starter, be careful not to whisk up any bits from the bottom of the crockpot. Mine cooks extra hot so some of the milk "burns" to the bottom...be careful of those.

Tip #6: Wash your mason jars/old spaghetti jars/etc. and lids in your dishwasher. Let them dry fully and then cap tightly. I store mine in a cabinet so they are already sanitized and ready to go for my next yogurt making adventure...or fermenting...or...

So, there are some tips in there whether or not you have a 6 qt. crockpot. I just wanted to tell you what worked for me today! Honestly...I found out all of that because I kind of sort of forgot about it. We were celebrating our anniversary and well...the yogurt just wasn't a priority. WHOOPS.

Project 52:22

Quiet is not a word most would use to describe me. It is not my strongest attribute. While I crave quiet and peace and rest I rarely let myself be still. When I sit, I feel the need to do something. It may be as simple as zoning out into blogland, but my hands and my head never stop. I know I need those quiet moments of reflection, but I find that for me, I do my reflecting as I am working...washing dishes, vacuuming, dusting...that's just how I work. My biggest struggle is where this leaves me in my relationship with God. I CRAVE that time, but never seem to get around to it. I make myself so busy with life that I forget about the most important relationship that I have. I know better. I know that when I am spending one on one time with my Father, that all of my relationships will thrive because of it. I am such a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend when I am cultivating my most important relationship. Why is it that the best thing for me is the one that gets stuck at the end of the my to-do list each day? 

I am ready for the quiet. 

For more Project 52 goodness, check out these fine blogs:

styleberry BLOG, Lucas and Mahina, Wicked Kate, The Mog Blog, Dana Moran Photography

Let me know if you want to join in on the fun! It's never too late to start your Project 52 :)

The One Where I Try To Play Catch Up

I am such a slacker. I haven't even posted about Mother's Day yet and it's JUNE. People, this is out of control. I definitely am at the point where I have fallen so far behind in updating that I just can't get myself to do anything about it...but no more! I have a child who decided to sleep in this morning so I am taking full advantage. 

Mother's Day started with church. Each year all of the babies are dedicated and it is my favorite day! This year we had a lot of friends standing up to dedicate their little ones to the Lord and it was such a special time. After church we decided to just have a very relaxing day. My one request was that I didn't want to do much of anything and that request was (mostly) granted. 

After lunch we packed up the car and headed over to Riverfront Park. Three years after they had constructed the pedestrian bridge and we still hadn't been across! 

Get ready to be bombarded by photos of my child. Don't say I didn't warn you. Good thing she is extra cute.

Check out Hottie McHotterson....(and yes I am talking about the photo BELOW not ABOVE sillies)

 

Mother's Day was so relaxing and I was so thankful. Don't worry though...I was spoiled again the next day. We took an impromptu day trip to the coast. More photos to follow :)

**For those of you with mad camera skills..I need your help. My photos just seem off to me. I am working in Manual, but no matter what I just can't seem to get the sharp photos I am used to getting. Obviously it's probably user error, but is there a chance that me not cleaning my camera in the 5 years I have owned it is affecting it's quality? PLEASE someone email me and help me... thecrainsnest[at]gmail[dot]com