2 Years

                                                                    Source: blogs.babble.com via Karen on Pinterest

Two years ago (well technically two years and two days) I started this blog. I can't believe it's already been that long! Our blog is like a friend to me...it lets me rant for hours and never talks back. Should I admit that I think of my blog as a friend? Umm probably not. Whoops. Okay, but in all seriousness I really, truly love blogging. I wish I could spend more time on here, but alas at this point in my life I'm far too consumed by family and our business to spend countless hours on here. Maybe one day I'll be devoted to posting each day, but that probably wouldn't happen unless I had more than two people who read this thing, ha!

When we decided we wanted to start this blog back in September 2009 we were just living in an apartment daydreaming of the day that we would own a home and fill it full of children. We had no idea that just two short months later we would be putting an offer on a house, getting pregnant a month after, and moving into our brand new very old house the following February. 

We have had so many changes in these past couple of years and I can't wait to see what changes will occur over the next two years! 

One change that I have been contemplating for awhile...and I even wrote about it in our goals for this year...is changing up the blog. As in, name change and everything. I have the name and in fact even have the blog started. I just for some reason can't get myself to pull the trigger. I have commitment issues, for real. So, fingers crossed, I will get over it and just do it already. I should have just handled it like I handled marriage...I met the man, got engaged right away, got married just a short while later, and it was a done deal. No time to back out :)

We are also contemplating a big life change right now. No further details right now...just letting you know that things might get all crazy up in here.

Anyway, happy 2nd birthday blog! Maybe next year I'll throw you a big party...

A Walk On The Red Carpet

Somebody pinch me (no honey, this is not literal so please don't)....I am feeling more famous than all those stars at the Oscars right now. My girl Ashley (she doesn't know she is my girl so hopefully I don't creep her out too much) mentioned ME in her blog today.

I. KNOW.

Exciting right?

So, I have actually mentioned her before in this post where I mentioned how she inspired me quite a lot. Well, after a few days of thinking that I should probably tell her how inspiring her "A Day in the Life" posts are to me I decided to get my big girl panties on and just do it. I have this semi nervous breakdown whenever I am going to be social, and when approaching a blogger who is up there with the other big named blogs, well let's just say there may be a bit of sweating involved. I did it though. Wow, look at me all big and courageous. Anyway, if you need further proof that she is UH-MAZING just look at her daughter's nursery. 

I wouldn't mind living here. I am sure I could get used to sleeping in a crib. Oh also, she used the same fabric for her crib skirt that we have in Eden's crib. This girl's got style ;) 

So, if you are bored during the Oscar's why don't you take a few minutes hours and look at all the fun pictures of her house and her super cute baby girl. I am now going to treat myself to a chocolate chip cookie just because I feel deserving. 

Also, if you are visiting from The Domestic Wannabe, welcome! Make yourself at home and look around, we don't bite...promise! 

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If you are reading from another outlet like an RSS feed, be sure to stop by and check out some of the changes I have made over the past couple of days to the blog. I even updated our header! It's still not perfect, and I still have plenty of work to do on the rest of the blog, but I am going to use my same old excuse...

I HAVE A 5 MONTH OLD BABY WHO DOES NOT NAP AND I AM TRYING TO KEEP MY HOUSE CLEAN AND COOK AND BE A REAL ESTATE ASSISTANT AND CONTROL THE LARGE ANT POPULATION THAT HAS TAKEN OVER MY HOME. I CANNOT DO IT ALL. 

I really need to come up with a new excuse....

Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows

I am craving spring and the beautiful colors that come along with it. However, as I type this, we have been watching snow fall periodically through out the day. Every time we see those beautiful white flakes Eden and I run to the window (okay, I run to the window carrying Eden) and watch them fall. I think snow is magical. Here's the thing though, I always want it to accumulate, but only for a day or two and only a few times a year. I much prefer sunshine, but the quiet that comes alongside freshly fallen snow makes me crave those moments.


For any of you that may have a snow day tomorrow I thought I would share a few new (to me) blogs that I have found over the past week. I thought you might enjoy the extra reading and inspiration these lovelies give.

Mollie Wetta Photography

I just found Mollie Wetta photography when I joined Real Mom*Togs. She is amazing and has the cutest children! I just love to look at her work for some serious inspiration.

Besotted Brand

Um, hello eye candy! This is just full of more photography inspiration and more. Lovely work this lady has. 

Sugar and Charm

I now have a million and one ideas for Eden's 1st birthday. In fact, I have so many ideas that I may just have to have a half birthday party for her. Only teasing. Kind of. 

Lilies & Dandelions

This blog is brand spanking new. I found this blog off of Dreamy Whites (if you love white then you will fall in love with this blog. If you don't love white you will quickly learn to love it). Anyway, I have the feeling this is going to be one of my favorites. I am excited to see where this blog goes over the next year...

Crossing my fingers for a snow day tomorrow so we can take Eden out to play! 

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The Crain's Nest is going through some ch-ch-ch-changes. I haven't gotten too far, but I am working on it in between feedings, diaper changes, and the like. The biggest change so far is that we have moved our most favorite blog links to its own page! Things were feeling a bit cluttered and if you have learned one thing from me it is that I enjoy minimalism. Our link love was getting a bit out of hand. I know that some of you appreciated them being on the side, but too make up for it, I added quite a few more blogs chock full of inspiration. I know, I know, I am too kind. Seriously, pick up your coffee, take a few sips, and enjoy a few new reads. I am also working on an updated header, but the daughter didn't want a nap today so it will have to wait. 

Change can be a good thing and I am learning to embrace it. 

Reliving Twenty Ten

As I reflect back on 2010, I am almost in disbelief that an entire year has gone by. Yet, once I start thinking about everything that happened in the past year, well, it is hard to believe it was only a year! For memory's sake, I decided to compile a list of the major events that happened over the past year. Yes, I am crazy like that.

In February we moved from my parents house and our apartment (after surviving the flood of '09) into our first home.

 In March we announced that we were expecting a baby.

We also took you on the "before" tour of our house.

  

 In May we showed you the "after" of our living room.

And we had our gender reveal housewarming party.

We even showed you my cheesy invite.

In July we continued working on Eden's room and celebrated Bella's THIRD birthday.

August brought my first baby shower.

September was busy...we had our maternity shoot...

And then revealed Eden's room.

We showed you how a nursery can be done on a budget.

Then, most importantly, we welcomed this girl into the world.

In October we celebrated Eden's first Halloween and went to the pumpkin patch.  

Then we gave you a full rundown on Eden's birth (part 1 & part 2).

November brought Eden's first Thanksgiving.

And the announcement that I would be starting a "new job" in January.

We ended the year of 2010 with Eden's first Christmas.

WOW. That is the only word that I use to describe this past year. Honestly, at the start of the year I had NEVER in my wildest dreams thought that this is how I would be ending the year. I can say, without a doubt, that 2010 was the best year ever for both Josh and I. It has been a fun ride and we can't wait to see what 2011 brings. I can say we are hoping to create many more fun memories with Eden, soak up every moment of getting to work from home, and pushing forward on some renovations in the ole house of ours.

We hope you all have a wonderful New Years Eve, and wish you the best in 2011!



Howdy, Hello There, and Welcome

Today I participated in my first every Linky party! I am usually not this "social" but it is one of my favorite blogs that I have been following for quite some time, and when I found out it was a party for your favorite room re-do, I instantly knew what room I would choose. Are you curious as to what room that was?


Eden's room of course!

So, if you are looking for some eye candy, or inspiration, head on over to The Lettered Cottage and get your click on.

Also, if you are visiting from The Lettered Cottage, welcome! We are glad you are here. It won't take you too long to realize just how crazy we Crain's are, so enjoy a few chuckles on our behalf, we don't mind. Thanks for stopping by :)

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There is a new addition to our blog that we wanted to make you all aware of. If you check out our sidebar, you will notice that we have added Eden's Flickr page. Most of the photos are posted on the blog, but there will also be some that you don't see on here. I am in the process of updating the photos (I fell a bit behind with my return to work) and there should be a whole new set of them from the past month. As if you don't get enough exposure to our baby as it is, now you have more...

I have two posts in the works, so check back later for some more craziness. Until later...