Catching up...Isaac's first Easter

I'm still attempting to catch up over here.  I couldn't let Isaac's first Easter get away without documenting it here.

We went to church in the morning, and Isaac wore his Sunday best.  I was running around frantically the day before.  I had bought his Easter outfit a few weeks prior, in a size 6 month, and the day before decided to try it on before I washed it for the big day.  This little chunky monkey wasn't going to fit in the 6 month!  At least not for more than that one day.   So, it was back to Carter's for an exchange.  His legs are so short though, that the 9 month pants were way too big, so I found some cute little shorts to go with it instead.  His shoes are from Target, and were indeed my favorite part of the whole outfit. 

I painted up an extra special Easter basket for my boy for his first Easter. I love the colors and how it matched his first Easter outfit.  It was filled with a little Easter book (which he loves chewing on still), a cat shaped like a ball (looks like Miles), a toy phone, a bunny, and a couple candy treats for mom and dad. (Come to think of it, I don't think we've even eaten those...yay for us!)

The rest of our day, we relaxed as a family, and went for a walk.  It was a beautiful spring day!

Doesn't daddy look handsome too?

A few fun finds, and a giveaway winner!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

I know this day carries with it some high emotions for some.  I've gone back and forth over it in the past, myself.  But, it's a day about love, what's not to, um....love?  I think it's important to just not get caught up in the commercialization and cliches.  Just take some extra time to let the people in your life know you love them!

Okay, so I know I probably should have posted my favorites for V-day a couple weeks ago, as it's obviously too late to order them today, but I wanted to share anyway....

I love lockets and secret messages.  How sweet would it be to get one of these from your Mister?  

Custom Secret Message Locket by TheDedicationCompany on Etsy

You guys know how I love coffee...and my man does too.

2 oz. Coffee Valentine Pack by AproposRoasters on Etsy

Love this print.  I really am so happy we ended up right here.  Can't wait to see where life's journey takes us next!

Love Print by GraphicAnthology on Etsy

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I am linking up to Yes, Teacher's Tickle me Tuesday post. Hop over and check out the other great finds!


Also, we have a winner for the Fair Ivy Giveaway!  Hop over to see if it was you!


I wish I could give all of you a surprise package.  Happy Valentines Day, friends!  


Do you have big plans with your sweetheart tonight?  Anyone have any grand gestures of love already today?


Jon and I were going to go out to dinner last night, but decided on a night at home with movies and basketball instead.  We'll probably go on a date next weekend.  

Looking back...

Hello Friends!  Happy New Year to you all!

I've spent the last couple days reading my blog posts from the last year.  It was really quite wonderful to look back, especially over the early part of last year.  So many little things that I'd long forgotten.  I laughed alot.  Mostly at the funny things Jon said.  {like here}  Also, now, re-reading it, I can see even more clearly how much I sort of spiraled into a stress filled crazy lady over the last few months.  Um, sorry about that!  Ha!  Life got a little insane.  I'm really, really hopeful that the new year will bring a new energy.  I can't say I've had enough of vacation, but not sure I ever would.  I do feel more rested and absolutely am ready to make some things happen.

I've been documenting my goals for this next year.  I honestly feel that 2012 is going to be an absolutely amazing year! 


What did you do for New Years Eve?
Jon and I stayed in and watched movies.  It was perfect. 

Have you set any New Years resolutions?  
I like everyone else, would like to shed a few pounds, and I'm also determined to record my debit card receipts once a week instead of once a month.  I've set alot of other goals too, but those two seem more like resolutions. 

Here's to 2012!  May it be full of happiness, health and wonderful things for all!

A Holiday in Photos...

Our Christmas was wonderful.  I hope yours was too! 
I'm enjoying relaxing and doing nothing much but dinners with friends and playing on my phone.  We hope to repaint the powder room off the kitchen this week, and I'm planning to make this soup today.  Cannot wait! 
Are you off work for the week?  Or is it back to the old grind for you?

p.s. I'm on Instagram!  If you are too, come follow me, and I'd love to follow you back!  {I'm jdavissquared, of course.}

Merry Christmas!

I made it! I made it to Christmas break...alive and in (reasonably sound) good mental state!

Oh friends, I'm not gonna lie, it's been rough. (i feel like I've started many a post this way as of late...bear with me) The last few months have been hard for a lot of reasons. My 9 to 5 has been relentless, our etsy store did amazing this year (which is absolutely a blessing, but one that comes with lots of hard work!), we lost Miles, my little sister had heart surgery, and on top of it all we've been working through the pains of infertility and treatment.

Yeah, that last one....that was hard to type. Not cause I haven't come to terms with it, but because I've been hesitant to share it, not just here on the blog, but with everyone outside of our close circle of friends and family. But, I've decided that I'm no longer gonna hide. There are too many couples out there dealing with this for anyone to feel alone. I'm not promising you details on the blog. This is private stuff! But, if you too are struggling through it, I'd love to help support you. Email me!

Whew! Elephant in the room exposed!

The one thing I'd request is please don't ask if I'm preggers. When I am, you'll know when I want you to. This is sort of a good rule in general...NEVER ask a woman if she's pregnant!

Okay, now that you know all the things that have been weighing me down, let me tell you why things are wonderful today:

Yesterday was Jon's 8 year remission anniversary! The craziest part was that it took us til 3:00 in the afternoon to remember. I'd say that's a good thing. It's nice to know that our life has moved far enough past the leukemia that we are able to forget!

Um, today is Christmas Eve...duh! Which means family, food, and Candlelight Christmas Eve at church. I've always loved Christmas Eve just as much as Christmas day.

I'm off work til jan 3rd. You have no idea how badly I need this break. This girl was seriously about to lose it.

What are you guys doing for Christmas? Please share! Or tell me what you've been up to all this time. I've seriously missed you guys.

I'm anxious to get back to blogging and refocussing. But until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Back at it...

I ate it all, in case you were wondering.  :)

So, did everyone have a nice, relaxing weekend?  Mine was great!  I'd be lying if I said it was enough, though.  The thought of going back to work tomorrow sort of makes me want to cry.  For reals.  Only 20 working days til Christmas break.  Yes, I will be counting down.  That will be a glorious 9 days off, for sure. 

Thanksgiving was great.  Delish food, and wonderful family time.  We even got in some laying on the couch...bonus!

Our Christmas tree is up, and prettier than ever!  I love it.  I could sit and stare at it for hours.  Our lights are up outside too.  None on the house this year, but the bushes and trees look festive!  And, I put out the vintage plastic snowman that we found....I seriously love him.  The best part?  We have a remote control on the lights so we can stand in the window and turn them on and off.  For some reason that is really exciting to me! 

Oh, and I got some Christmas shopping done too!  I need to write everything down and assess where we are.  I'd guess we're about half way there.  Jon and I decided that we're just doing stockings for each other this year, and then going shopping after Christmas.  Less stress before, and we get to take advantage of all the sales after! 

Our church worshiped in the school for the last time this morning.  We move into our brand new building next weekend!  It's so exciting! 

...Okay, it's time to grab some last minute relaxing before I head to bed.  Wish me luck in surviving tomorrow without crying. 

Giving Thanks...

     Source: kerryskronicles.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Remember about a month ago when I was so overwhelmed with how blessed we are?  Well, it's not that I don't think I'm blessed now, but let's just say it's been a rough few weeks.  Don't get me wrong, I know that we haven't much to want for.  We are very blessed.

Maybe I've just had a rough day, but things just seem hard right now.  {insert Debbie Downer noise here}

Is it bad that the thing I'm feeling most thankful for at the moment is the fact that there's a four day weekend in my immediate future?  For the realization that I can, for a brief period of time, have control over my own schedule, if only for a few days.

I'm feeling mighty crispy, folks.  Like the turkey on the Griswold's Christmas table. {Oh yes, we will be watching that this weekend, I'm sure.}

So, with that being said, perhaps it's the perfect time to make a little listy list of all the some things that I'm grateful for:

1. My relationship with God.  I haven't always had the friendship I feel now.  That's cool.
2. My husband.  For reals.  I got a good one!
3. Our family.  It's a little bit wonky, but isn't everyone's?  I mean, we both come from "broken" homes, but I'd say they've healed in a most wonderful sort of way.
4. Our friends.  I haven't always felt like we had friends.  Today, I know we do.  We have great friends.  Real friends. 
5. Miles.  I miss him so much, you guys.  So, so much.  I'm so grateful for having had him.
6. Our other kitties.  They're not Miles, but this house would be unbearably quiet without them.  They are sweethearts.  Not to each other, but each in their own.
7. Financial peace.  I haven't talked about this much on the blog, but we're big fans of this guy, and I'm so thankful for his wisdom.
8. The hope of tomorrow.  Of things yet to come. 
9. For the success of the shop.  I've already tripled what I did last year, and we're not even through the holiday rush yet!
10. And, of course you all, my blog readers. Thanks for making me feel like I have something to say, even when I really don't.
11. For the fact that I have a warm house, and food to eat.  
12. And, for the promise of a 4 day weekend if I can just make it through work tomorrow!  :)  {still sounding pretty amazing right now!}

 Thanksgiving for us will be unprecedented this year.  We have one place to go.  ONE.  For two kids of divorced parents, this is a big deal.  My dad is off to Colorado with his sweetie, we'll get together with Jon's mom as we always do later in the weekend, and we've combined my mom and his dad into one big family dinner.

I'm just gonna state right now:  I will not be back on here until next week.  There.  See what I did?  I just gave myself a little vacay.  Whoot, whoot!

What are your Thanksgiving plans?  And, pretend we're at the table and tell me what you're most thankful for. 

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe holiday!  

Birthday/Fourth of July Recap...

                            Source: jordanferney.blogspot.com via jennifer on Pinterest

How was everyone's weekend?  Good, I hope.  Mine was fantastic!

We had a wonderful {albeit HOT} day at the lake on Friday with my fam.  They are so, so good to me.  You all are not gonna believe what I got for my birthday.  I'll have to post pics.

Bridesmaids fell through on Saturday, but we've rescheduled for this coming Friday.  {And we'll have my bridesmaid in tow!}  Jon took me to see Pirates of the Caribbean instead.  Maybe not as good as the others, but I still loved it!  There were, of course more wonderful presents this day as well.  Seriously, folks.  I'm so spoiled.  Oh, and I have the best neighbors of all time.  They got me a cake....a cake from my neighbors.  Who does that!?  My neighbors do, apparently.  We're never moving.

Sunday we slept til 11!  I'm pretty sure I haven't done that in at least a decade.  We went to an amazing Fourth of July party that night.  We have a friend whose parents live across a pond {small lake/large pond} from this guy who puts on a professional fireworks display every year and trows a huuuge party.  He flew in a band from Nashville!  We didn't go to the party, but our friends parents throw a pretty fantastic party to watch the other party.  It was totally awesome and probably the best fireworks display I've ever seen....ever!

By yesterday, we were completely exhausted.  We spent the day lounging around the house, napping and doing some cleaning, because my bestie is coming tomorrow!  Yipeeeee!  Girl's weekend, here we come!

In typical Jen fashion, I don't think I took a single picture all weekend.  Boo.


Tell me, how was your Independence Day?  Did you watch fireworks?  Set any off?  
I try not to get too close to them, myself.  Got shot in the arm with a bottle rocket as a kid, and it scared the bejesus out of me.  I LOVE watching them though!

p.s. Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes.  You guys are truley amazing, and I'm so blessed to call you my friends.  

Go Fourth and Craft...

I love the Fourth of July.  I've always loved it.  I'm sure as a kid, it had more to do with it falling so near my birthday. {I grew up thinking the fireworks were for me.} Now, I love it because I love my country!  I'm a red-blooded American, and so, so proud to call this place home.  I love me some red, white and blue!

I had intentions of getting a crafty tutorial up for the Fourth, but time got away from me, and it's just not going to happen.  So, I figured I'd do the next best thing, and share some fun and simple ideas in case you have the itch to create something this weekend! 

How about a ruffly flag wreath?  via Busy Lizzy's

       

Some flying rockets?  via Alphamom

Fabric Star Medallions?  via Martha

And last, but certainly not least,  how about some insanely cute printables via The Sweetest Occasion?

A little something for everyone, I think.

Tell me, are you as patriotic to your country as I am?  {American or otherwise.}
If you are American, where did your ancestors come from?  Mine are mostly from Germany, some French, some English and a little Native American for good measure. 
If you're not American, what country are you from?

p.s. Speaking of Fourths...Today is Miss Ava's 4th birthday!  Happy Birthday, sweetheart!  I hope you have a wonderful day!  I'll be sending something special home with your mama next week!  XOXO Auntie Jen

A little green...

for your St. Patty's Day!

FYI, my friends, that is a McDonald's Shamrock Shake copycat.  I actually have to confess, I don't know that I've ever had a shamrock shake...but I hear they're delicious! Perhaps I'll have to whip up a batch this evening.

Are you celebrating St. Patty's? 

This post is about the extent of my celebration, but I am wearing my cute green bow headband that I won in a blog giveaway from Sandy A La Mode. It definitely has me feeling festive!

Most importantly, am I missing out on the Shamrock Shakes? Worth it?

I do love love...

                     Source: maryruffle.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've been feeling a bit guilty about dogging on Valentine's Day. {here}  See, it's not that I hate Valentine's Day itself.  I just hate how much pressure is associated with it.  I mean, it's a day all about love, what's not to um...love?  I just think alot of people, especially women get too wrapped up in it being perfect.   Or maybe it's that inevitably you feel inadequate because of the hype.

                        Source: imgspark.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Anyway, I do appreciate Valentine's Day, and I can prove it.  I have a whole board dedicated to it on Pinterest. {speaking of, if you're on Pinterest, let's stalk each other on there too!}

                   Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Just wanted to set the record straight!

Let me introduce you to Megan of FENNOfashion...

Megan Fenno, Owner/Designer of FENNOfashion, is no fly-by-night accessory maker.  This talented lady has credentials to back it up!

Megan studied fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and later started her business in Austin Texas, where she was nominated for Best Accessory Designer in Austin's very first Fashion Week.  After she moved her business back to her hometown, she was named Fashion Woman of the Year for 2009 in Cincinnati.

There's no question as to why she's been a success.  Megan offers a wide selection in her online boutique of quality accessories at great prices.  Her jewelry is unique, and doesn't have that same old look you see everywhere else.  {you can tell she's a true designer!}

She also has a line of U.R.E.C. handbags.  That stands for Up-cycled, Recycled, and Eco-Conscious.  Megan hand crafts each and every one of these amazing handbags herself using parts and pieces from vintage handbags.  She crafts them into new, fashionable and functional bags for today.

Still looking for great gifts for the ladies in your life?  Definitely check out the selection at FENNOfashion.   

You can connect with her by:

Visiting her online boutique at www.FENNOfashion.com
"Like" her on Facebook.
Tweet with her.
Follow her blog.





p.s. Megan is expecting her first child in January, and we're so happy for her and her husband.  Congrats guys!  ;)

One stop shop...

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

Has anyone else been thinking about Christmas shopping as much as I have?  It's like I've suddenly become obsessed with figuring this out!  I'd love to get my shopping done early this year so that I can sit back and really enjoy the holidays.  I'm sure you guys are in the same boat as me, where you have a very diverse group to buy for.  I always say, wouldn't it be nice to just do all my shopping from my pajamas?  But, searching the web looking for this and that seems like too much work.  I'd rather go out and scour the stores looking for just the right gift.  {in cases you missed it, that was sarcasm.}

Until this year.  Perhaps there is a  place online to find something for everyone...

A place where you can find everything from extra tall bar stools to world globes?  TV stands to curio cabinets?  Strollers to fire pits?  Seriously folks, I don't think there's a thing in the world that you can't find on one of CSN's  200+ online stores.  With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, this is a great place to do all your online shopping in one place.  There truly is something for everyone! 

I'd like to note that I love and completely support buying handmade when possible, but let's face it, you can't buy a handmade blender!  ;)

Do you do any holiday shopping online?  What are your favorite stores?  Ever bought anything from CSN?

*I'm receiving a gift of nominal value from CSN Stores for the writing of this post.  Look for a review in the near future! 

It's lookin' kinda spooky...

in the shop!  

I started adding some halloween goodies over the weekend. 

There's Sven the Mummified Sock Monkey or "Mumkey" as I like to say....

  The Witch is In painting....

a Candy Brooch...

and Wilma the Sock Cat!
{she's featured in this treasury too!}

 I love how bright and colorful she is!

Seems crazy that it's time for halloween already, but it'll be here before we know it! 

God Bless America!

via

 

Happy 4th of July!

This is one of my favorite holidays, and becomes more and more special every year as I grow and understand more how precious our freedoms are.  I love this country so much,  and I get choked up thinking about all the men and women who have fought to the death to give us the freedoms that we have.  We must make sure that they are never taken away!  We are living in such a politically charged time, and I pray that we may come through it stronger and more appreciate than ever before.  

We plan to spend the day with family and friends.  BBQ, fireworks and lots of red, white and blue! 

For those of you in the USA, happy Independence Day! 

For my international friends, Happy Sunday! 

animals on the farm...

just a few of our animal friends on the farm.  

That's Baa Baa the sheep up top...poor little fellow lost one of his horns. :(

Solomon the Cat. 

McCain and Palin the goats and Angel the Donkey.

Cindy lets me give them graham crackers as a treat.  It makes me laugh how they suck them down like a shredder!  And all those farm kitties, oh how I love them!

father/son frisbee time...

The weather was absolutely perfect yesterday.  The boys spent some time playing catch and throwing the frisbee.  It was quite entertaining!

Easter on the Farm...

How was everyone's Easter?  Ours was completely unexpected and wonderful!

We had a busy day of yard work, errands and birthday parties on Saturday, so we decided to sleep in, do some things around the house and then go to the 5pm service at church.  Well, at about 1:00, Jon's dad called to remind him to bring his baseball glove....say what!?

Needless to say, Jon had a lapse of brain power which caused him to completely space off the fact that we were supposed to go to his dad's for dinner at 3:00.  This was the first I had heard of it.  So, we got ready, and headed to the farm!  We got there early, so we thought we might still make it to church, but we were just having too much fun, so we stayed.  It was a wonderful Easter!

We had the most delicious dinner.  On the menu:  grilled pork chops, baked potatoes, green beans with bacon and warm garlic herb bread.  Oh, and of course my usual gimlet!  ;)  Now, I'm not really the biggest fan of pork chops, but oh my, were they delicious!  I didn't know a pork chop could taste that good!  As George kept saying, "you can't go wrong with an Iowa Chop".  Agreed!

I, of course, did not take a picture of the food, because I was too intent on stuffing my face.  I did get a picture of the dessert, however.  Look at this decadent chocolate cake!    Paired with a scoop of ice cream, it was too die for!  {please note the darling little dessert fork...love!}

Jon couldn't help himself and busted into a rendition of Bill Cosby's Chocolate Cake bit.  

I might have joined in.  ;)

{If you don't know what I'm talking about you can go here to watch it.  About the 7 minute mark is what we were doing.  ha!} 

What a lovely Easter!  I'll share more pictures from our day on the farm later.

Happy Monday!

Happy Easter Weekend, and friday to-dos...

{I knew you all would remember that!}

found here.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter!  I wish you a beautiful spring weekend filled with sunny skies, pretty flowers and lots of chocolate!  

This weekend's plans include:

1. starting some herb seedlings for the patio
2. getting Jon to put some freon in my car.  the air is not working and I'm going to need it soon!
3. taking down the lingering winter decorations in the house {like my snowman cake plate...hey, don't judge, we had snow on the ground two weeks ago!}
4. going to church on Sunday, and celebrating the Resurrection!
5. getting started on a couple of projects....I'll share more about them later...promise!
6. getting in some walks, and maybe even some runs!
7. sleeping.  this is my homework for our small group this week.  it says so in this book.  Now, that's a homework assignment I can handle!
8. snuggling with my sweet husband and our sweet kitties.  {p.s. Miles is doing great!  we are so very grateful!}

wishing you a beautiful weekend!  what are you plans?

green goodness...

I've never been a huge fan of St. Patrick's Day, but green is one of my favorite colors!  In honor of the Irish holiday, I picked out some green goodness from etsy that I wouldn't mind having all year round!

1. Recycled GROLSCH large drinking glass tumblers made from reclaimed beer bottles--by bottlehood
2. Ipod Case Cozy Green Crochet--by knotworkshop
3. The Felt Foliage Pillow-Leafy Moss Green--by VSquaredV2
4. Piccolito Mini Purse hand stitched leather Feral Empire--by feralgirl
5. Jadite Square Salt and Pepper Shakers--by jaditekate 6. Wire Wrapped Swarovski Crystal Briolette Earrings. Avacado.--by almostsunday 

Do you have big plans to celebrate St. Patty's?  

I think mine will consist of a good workout, a little bracket filling-in, and watching last night's episode of Lost!  I might even get crazy and make a green monster!  {this is my plan as of now, but it is possible we could be swayed into having a beer at our neighborhood pub with our friends, we'll see.}