a little slice of pye

the most important meal of the day...

2012-02-08T10:14:00.002-06:00

Breakfast kind of marks your day. It can be wonderfully delicious and nutritious, or not so great.

I am the BIGGEST fan of whole wheat pancakes with fruit & frozen fruit smoothies.

Both can go very wrong if you load them up with sugars, syrups and other things like that.

And the surest way to ruin a simple breakfast for me, is a sugary cereal. Yummier versions of that are: oatmeal with fruit & milk or organic granola with yogurt & fruit.

Oh and poached eggs! They are probably my absolute favorite. Is that weird? They are so delicious and taste perfect on top of a fruit filled pancake.

I have a long list of breakfast favorites, but I want to expand them even further.

Trying new delicious and good for you breakfast foods is like a hobby for me.

I can't get enough of breakfast and I am hoping to incorporate more veggies into my recipes.

Do you have any favorite 'good for you' breakfast dishes?

Ps. Because I can very easily gorge myself at my favorite meal, I have to set boundaries on how much I let myself indulge in.

love birds...

2012-02-05T15:00:00.002-06:00

I have been coming across lots of 'old' photos lately and I thought I would share this one of Owen and I on our first Christmas as a married couple. It was an exciting Christmas for us, and we were keeping a secret from everyone for just a little while longer...

I was about 8 weeks pregnant!

It was the best kind of secret to have. I remember being so excited I just blurted it out to complete strangers since we were waiting a little while until it was "public knowledge."

I'm not a big Valentine's day person, but I am a big LOVE person. And I am really looking forward to having the excuse to celebrate our love. I have a couple of ideas up my sleeve that I hope I can pull off for both of my valentines.

Get excited everybody--celebrate your love. And don't break the bank, communicating your love for others by using your creativity and your glue stick works wonders. Just let them know how you feel about them. Cash just made me cry by saying, "that's my mommy!" and "that's my daddy!" and giggling up a storm. It was the first time he has referred to us as 'his.' Most precious moment all week.

the winds of change.

2012-02-04T21:45:00.002-06:00

I changed the blog with little warning. It has been on my mind for a while, and while this isn't the design that I ultimately want to land on (I'll probably need a professional for that one!) I'm pretty darn proud that I did the work myself! It took some trial and error, but all in all it wasn't too hard to manage.

It is pretty exciting to change over to being "a little slice of pye" full time. I think it is less confusing than having lots of names and different urls. Now when you type in: www.alittlesliceofpye.com it will lead you here!

I just got some absolutely precious holga prints back from a year ago. (I know--I am way behind!) Looking at them makes those memories even sweeter. Cash was so small, my hair was so dark, and he hardly had any hair at all!

We can't escape the change.

It's here to stay, to keep on moving us forward.

::keep love alive::week 6::guest post, Lady Danburry::

2012-01-31T09:00:00.006-06:00

Hey ya'll! Today my very precious friend Lynette, from over at thinking in shapes is sharing with us on the blog today about "keeping love alive." I met Lynette because our husbands have been friends through music for a long time. Be sure to check out Lynette's shop as well--she is an amazing and talented designer & seamstress. We haven't been able to see this great couple in years, so I am looking forward to the day we get to hang out in a living room with a cup of tea and catch up! They have a love worth emulating.

Drew and I have been married for almost four years and we've been happy. We usually have the same date every night. I try to make an amazing dinner and he arranges the perfect movie to watch. We both take Mondays off, so those are usually our favorite days..We always sleep in and when we wake up we make a big breakfast together and then go on some preplanned outing (most often planned by Drew)

We're both very independent people, so one of our challenges was figuring out how to combine our lives onto one unified path, with both of us feeling content and happy. Over the past four years, we've both experimented with different roles. For a while, I owned a business and ran the financial side of our life. Drew attended barber school and took care of the home side of our life. We've recently traded roles with Drew running his own barber shop, and me designing from home. Even though there were a few difficult spots for both of us, we both always had the same goals which made everything possible.

Our biggest strength is probably communicating love to each other. We're conscious of the ways we both show and feel love. I show love by giving gifts and I feel love by being told I'm loved. Drew shows love by affection and feels love through quality conversation. I make clothing for Drew and bake his favorite treats. He tells me he loves me probably 78 times a day. I listen to him vent about terrible drivers. He hides love letters for me all over the house.

I think the best way to keep a relationship strong is to really understand and appreciate everything your spouse does. Drew knows how stressful it can be to have dinner ready, the laundry folded, and a guest room prepared. I know how stressful it can be to have to pay off the debt and come up with a thousand dollars by the end of the week. Each of us have lived on both sides and now that we're both doing what makes us happy our gratitude for each other multiplies daily.

Thank you Lynette! I love that you talked about appreciating what the other does--so helpful in making it easier to love and respect each other when you are doing that!

To read through the other Keep Love Alive features click through the links below:

For "keep love alive" Week 1 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 2 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 3 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 4 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 5 go Here.

what I am, and what I'm not

2012-01-24T13:57:00.005-06:00

Tending to turn things over and around and upside down in my head, I go a bit crazy.

Not an attractive quality. Something big or small, silly or meaningful--if there were a switch I could flip.

clockwise: 1. me up close 2."J" flashcard 3. favorite earrings c/o Crow & Iris 4. breakfast

What has been tossing lately?

What I am, and what I'm not.

It has nothing to do with opinions, or of what others think I should be.

It has never been between them--it has only ever been between me and the Creator.

Ps. This is not to say that friends offering loving advice should not be listened to. This has to do with going crazy from projections perpetuated by my own silly mind.

winter walks

2012-01-17T11:23:00.002-06:00

Over the weekend we went on a snowy walk around town.

There is something invigorating about a brisk walk in the chilly air that puts some life back into your bones. I am thankful that we live in the perfect spot for little jaunts like this.

We have a lot coming up in these next few months for us and have been doing a lot of praying about it. Between Owen's upcoming album, mission opportunities, financial changes, relational & personal growth--I need a vacation just from all of the prep work ;)

Changes are creeping up on us. And it's a lot like having the sun in your eyes, I can feel it and know that it is in front of us---but I can't see a thing.

Do you know the feeling?

and again...

2012-01-16T10:39:00.003-06:00

Although I am still loving instagram, I can't wait until my new camera charger gets here.

It was supposed to arrive a couple of days ago though...So hopefully it didn't get lost in the mail!

Here is a little peek into my week/weekend:

clockwise starting top left: 1. New hard to kill plants! Perfect for me ;) 2. Wore my hair straight 3. tea with one of my oldest friends at Fezziwig's 4. I finally got my hands on a copy of this great book--as a gift from my sweet sister.

And now for some links:

Women, listen here.

Our little family here.

download this book for free here today.

New blog to love.

And something I really like.

::keep love alive::week 5::Guest post, Taylor Yves::

2012-01-14T14:12:00.004-06:00

Hey Everybody! The much loved feature, "Keep Love Alive" is back in action :)

I have some awesome friends lined up to write to you about keeping love alive in their relationships and I am so excited to share their stories and posts with you.

Today my friend Taylor is sharing--I met her through the blogging world, and then actually got to meet her in person--and she is just as sweet and lovely in person as she is on the internet. (I always wonder about that with bloggers!) Her little slice of the internet is right over here at: greater things.

Hi "Three For the Road" readers! I'm Taylor Yves, and I'm so glad to be sharing Jillian's space today as I too a faithful reader. You might be a little jealous to hear that Jillian and I are also real life friends. My husband and I got to host the Pye family in Chicago last spring! We had a lovely time and I could gush on about that but I promised a post of a different sort today.

This post is about keepin' the love alive! And how right that is. My husband, Jake, and I are not parents yet. But I work in college student ministry with InterVarsity, which means I kind of have 100 children and they definitely take up my nights and weekends :)

So, one struggle Jake and I have is finding the time to spend together.

Jake works a typical 9-5, but in many ways his nights are busier than mine, between volunteering and band practice. Whereas I work 3-4 evenings a week and try really hard to find as much time in between to putz around at home.

For a long time Jake and I were not believers in "date night" (shock!) I really just didn't like the phrase because every time I heard someone use it, it just sounded funny to me. For Jake the issue was feeling like love became a chore when we had designated dates. But last semester we really hit a wall and had no choice but to change our ways. So finding time is now making time to spend together. And protecting that time from any distractions.

Three ways we communicate love are:- Spending a few boring nights at home. It really helps us feel grounded and more intimate when we have a few homebound evenings together each month. In many ways it reminds us of who we are as a couple bound by the Lord.- Being self-aware enough to know our own needs and share them with each other. This is especially hard for me because my temptation is to get angry and shut Jake out, which is really anti-productive. This also means being aware enough to affirm one another when one of us is doing something great that's working!- Choosing selflessness. Much easier said than done. But I think this is what makes a marriage last, because you've literally invested more time and energy and thought into your relationship. So you're less likely to give up or get frustrated by the little things. For us this often means we do each other's chores :)

Marriage has been a joyful and sanctifying journey for Jake and me. Sometimes it's been really hard, and it's easy to compare our relationship with others around us. But our unique struggles are so worth our unique love! If I could commend my brothers and sisters in one way, I'd say do not be afraid to push into your troubles with prayer. The Bible says so many times over that it is good for man and woman to be partners, and in fact somehow we better reflect God's image when we're together! That amazes me! In the face of adversity, confess your sins and let them go, and ask God to fill your heart with selfless and romantic love. We can be sure this pleases our Creator! I can honestly tell you it's the only way Jake and I have lasted and loved our 2+ years of marriage. Also, of course remember you don't have to spend any money to have a date. Our two favorite favorite things to do together are reading a book out loud (we highly suggest A Severe Mercy for this), and taking a walk.

Thank you Jillian for having me on your blog. Blessings to you and Owen as you grow closer together in Christ!

Thank you Taylor! We love and respect you and Jake. We're so excited for your future!

To read through the other Keep Love Alive features click through the links below:

For "keep love alive" Week 1 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 2 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 3 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 4 go Here.

heavy & light

2012-01-10T14:52:00.002-06:00

My life is this constant mix of heavy & light, hard & soft.

I deal with these hard heavy hitting things that roll over me like an 18 wheeler. And peeling myself from the payment I lift off and float into the light and soft portions I am dealt: giggling with my blonde haired munchkin, reciting poetic lyrics & enjoying a sweet confection.

I have a headache & can't breath through my nose from a tearful prayer time, but now that I let it all out and left it with Jesus all I want to do is plan my future cat party.

Haha. I know I'm crazy. But I mean really, who doesn't want to attend a cat party?! (Maybe *dog people I guess.) I'm not sure why I am SO attracted to this idea that I came up with last month, because I am not a crazy cat person (I had cats growing up, but that's about it.) Nevertheless--get excited for my impending cat party with some of my pins from my pinterest cat party board.

Yes. I. Am. So. Serious.

Source: souvenirsofagirl.blogspot.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Source: heathermattoon.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Source: modcloth.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Source: donnawilsonsblog.blogspot.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Jillian on Pinterest

I know what you're thinking: That cat party looks like it is going to be off the chain.

And my friend--you are right.

*Ps. I am also PRO Dogs & puppies of course. I am not one of those people that makes you pick one or the other.

P-O-T-T-Y

2012-01-10T08:59:00.003-06:00

"What does that spell?! potty! potty! potty!"

Cash has been going on the toilet for a long time now--since he was 18 months old. The problem is he doesn't go all the time. Because he doesn't always remember. AND he hates underwear.

(This is from when we spent the weekend in Louisville, and he only used like 3 diapers the whole weekend! including night time!)

I am convinced that he's just not quite ready yet, and that's okay because I'm not forcing it.

I don't want him to feel like he's not a good boy if he doesn't go potty on the pot...

you know?

Ps. this photo had an unnatural amount of views on Flickr, like 4 times as many as the photos around it. Which made me REALLY uncomfortable, so I changed it to private. And it is starting to make me think I should change my whole flickr to private. I feel as though the people that click on my blog, are people that click on it to read about us and know us--not creepily look at photos of my toddler on the potty. But flickr? I don't know, there are a lot of weirdos out there. Thoughts?

As predicted...

2012-01-09T11:15:00.002-06:00

I am hopelessly addicted to instagram.

I am trying to suppress it, but I just love sharing little tidbits from my day.

And so it begins.

I love you forever...

2012-01-08T14:14:00.002-06:00

There is something about family time that fills my heart & also breaks it.

I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and also completely unworthy.

We have been spending our days of 2012 together.

When we aren't playing, making/eating food or dancing we are sorting through paperwork, rearranging/organizing the house & cleaning.

Some of the biggest goals for us are intentional family time and getting our household in order.

So far I really like them. We have also been doing bible reading plans that are pretty stellar.

We've been pinching pennies this week and probably will be next week as well. Unpaid time off (mandatory) happened and a check that we have been expecting for (months now?) that has yet to arrive = a little bit of worry in my heart. But God is providing our needs everyday--and will continue to take care of us. We just don't get any extras for a while. Which is fine with me.

I absolutely love that everyday is a new day--and that I don't have to wait for a new year to change things about my life that aren't working.

Ps. I have instagram now if you're into that kind of thing...

such great heights.

2012-01-04T22:59:00.002-06:00

We were on the 10th floor looking down into the lobby below.

Looking at this photo now it seems a little terrifying.

A lot safer on the ground. No?

Cash had begged me to pick him up so he could look over the edge and I agreed, 30 seconds in he wanted to get back down because it was "scarwy."

Sometimes things aren't always as great as we think they are going to be.

I appreciate the simple lessons that he teaches me.

Everyday.

a little slice of pye

2012-01-03T12:30:00.002-06:00

One of my biggest hopes for my present self is to work more on my designs in the shop.

And I am definitely trying to put in the extra work, although my plans seem to continually be foiled. It stinks when things take over that are out of your control.

You know how I constantly rave about our small town and how much I love it? Well one of the drawbacks is that the post office is consistently less reliable than in a bigger city. You never know when they'll decide to just close up for the day or leave for lunch early, etc. Such a bummer. I've had countless other walls--but I am trying not to be brought down by them! I have tons of new headbands to list (although my battery charger has somehow gone missing) so it might be a little bit before those find their way up--not too professional, eh? haha.

I have a meeting this week to have my headbands possibly placed in a boutique, and I was approached by the other party which is a truly exciting thing for me--but I hope the most recent events are not foreshadowing how that meeting will go.

My other news about the shop is that I am advertising it for the first time via another blog. Over at Emma's blog, Food Coma. You can see my little ad in the right hand column. If you want to put in a good word for me, head on over and leave her a comment telling I sent you. I think her blog is great and hopefully advertising with her will get my designs into the hands of people who will love and enjoy them.

Even thought my shop is just a small 'slice' of my life, it really means so much to me to keep it going. For nothing else than sharing that small part of myself.

Thanks for reading!

Happy NEW YEAR!

2012-01-02T11:28:00.002-06:00

For NYE we threw together a somewhat last minute gathering with friends. I was working during the day and my phone has been a piece of junk lately (I have a new one on the way in the mail! hooray!) so I counted on Owen to do most of the communicating with friends, grocery shopping, & cleaning up. (He's a champ!)

As soon as I got home I ran around like a crazy person cleaning, decorating & getting food ready. That's what I get for being so last minute. But we had SUCH a great time. :) Everyone brought something different and it was seriously such a great way to ring in the New Year. (And Cash slept the whole time without a peep! We started the party at 9ish so that he would already be asleep and wouldn't have to be jealous of all the excitement.)

the girls: Amy, Raelene, Me & Taylor

the boys: Blake, Adam P., Adam F. & Owen

Amy & Adam brought the little blowers and we (the girls) had fun taking photos in front of the streamers. It was hard getting all of the fellows to cooperate for even their group photo, well--just Blake, he's not much for photographs of himself. ;)

Isn't Amy's bow cute?!

We had some pop-its and the Penningtons brought even more.

Adam F. brought a 100 year old camera that he has pieced together from lots of different cameras. He took portraits of each of the couples. It was AWESOME!

So cool right?

And then a crazy game of catch phrase. It got pretty serious. haha.

But I am proud to say that the girls dominated!

All in all- great night with too much good food & yummy drinks. Taylor brought beer bread with fiesta dip and I think that was the favorite food of the night (so delish.)

We are so excited for 2012 and looking forward to a new year full of Jesus, family & friends.

sugar baby

2011-12-30T09:06:00.004-06:00

If you couldn't tell I'm a bit behind with sharing our Christmas festivities/preparations.

Today was the first year that Cash got to help make & decorate (and eat!) cookies!

He was over the moon about it. He took it very seriously at the same time. It was really fun to watch him and see the little wheels turning in his brain.

We gave most of our cookies away to people that have taken good care of us this year: Our State Farm agent across the street who went into work on his day off to file my claim when I had my accident and our landlord who is the reason we got our amazing apartment back & who takes an interest in our lives. I really really love living in our town if I haven't said it enough. We opened Cash a savings account at the bank that is right next door and they are the sweetest! They always give him a treat when we come in with his bank and for Christmas they gave him an ornament with his name on it. We also went down the street to the library last week and got all set up with a library card--their kid's area is really precious.

Ps. If you have a free moment, read about my brave and wonderful friend Maria, Here. I spoke to many of my close friends about her and I am thankful that you prayed for her.

It might just be me...

2011-12-29T14:42:00.003-06:00

Okay so, I might be the only one that still loves american apparel's clothing--

(last month they had a groupon going on for AA, I freaked out with excitement and everyone I told about it was like, "eh, okay. whatevs.")

even so, I thought I would share that they have a sale going on over at gilt today!

(50%ish off)

I may or may not have added this to my closet:

Source: gilt.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Comfy cute is hard to pull off sometimes, and this will make it so much easier!

If you need an invite to gilt, click here.

Ps. With my groupon I got the most amazing high waisted swimming suit (top/bottoms) & long underwear--be jelly.

Pps. I don't understand why you wouldn't be excited about that!? haha. It is probably because I don't buy myself much new stuff (mostly vintage and second hand) so with AA I make an exception--but only if it is on sale!

Ppps. Christmas money officially gone. Oh well.

New traditions

2011-12-28T19:53:00.003-06:00

This Christmas I decided to make an advent calendar for Cash, we did little activities or he got a small present each day--which he thoroughly enjoyed. We read about Jesus' birth just about every day and Cash was excited about celebrating the birth of God's son. (And also mostly excited about treats.)

This was his first snow globe and he was kind of weirded out by it. haha. But he got used to it and now likes it a lot.

When I was working the few days before Christmas I got in a conversation with an older gentleman who ask if Cash understood Santa and was excited about him coming. (This is a common question I received frequently this holiday season.) When I explained that we don't really talk too much about Santa (not because he's bad or anything, he just doesn't come up in conversation frequently) and that Cash was more excited about it being Jesus' birthday--the man's eyes welled up with tears and he responded in this way, "I am so glad---I'm so glad that I stopped and talked with you. Merry Christmas!"

It was a small yet very sweet moment that meant a lot to me during that long 10 hour shift.

a little bit of our Christmas...

2011-12-27T15:25:00.003-06:00

Christmas tea

Our tandem riders ornament & bow topper

squirrel mascot & our little unwrapper

dreamy

father Christmas ornament, handmade present from sister

star topper, stockings

figure skates

the big reveal

Christmas table, the Reason

Christmas car

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T21:51:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to say a Merry Christmas to everyone.

We took a very hurried family photo earlier today (with a timer) and this is the only one that ended up even a little bit presentable.

I pray that you won't be like me and leave things to the last second. (Even if you have a good excuse like I did--What was I thinking working everyday leading up to Christmas 9 & 10 hours shifts?! I am insane.)

But I am trying to refocus my heart on the one who makes Christmas so important and know that my sweet family won't kick me to the curb if I don't have everything perfect. Here's to hostessing my first family Christmas (my parents, sister & brother in law, other sissy, nephews & niece) I hope it goes well!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Fancy Christmas Party::The Swift Manor::Decorations

2011-12-19T23:51:00.002-06:00

So remember when I blogged about what I wore to a fancy Christmas party?

Now I am going to share a few more photos from that night.

(The photo from my last post is also from that night.)

This is my sweet friend Taylor below. She and her mother Angela hostessed the party at her mother's ADORABLE home which is only a few blocks down the road from our apartment. (Taylor and her husband just bought a house that is also in town--and it is AMAZING--but that is for another post...) Anyway, they both have a love for Christmas (I mean, who doesn't?!) and a knack for decorating & food, so it was only natural that they put on this lovely event.

Taylor is a great friend to me. We have only been in each other's lives a short time, but she has loved me well, babysat Cash and helped with anything that is going on. And she does hair! Doesn't get much better--oh yeah, and she's adorable.

There were pretty much beautiful trees everywhere, big, small, teeny--EVERYWHERE!

There was so much food! I ate way too much and didn't even feel bad about it.

The cabinet of gnomes and miniature trees might have been my favorite part.

He's playing and accordion for goodness sakes!!!!

I kept wanting to grab whatever I could fill my arms with and run out the door. haha. Not really, but seriously--SO CUTE.

And the house was practically built for Christmas decorating with that sweet pocket window.

Another Fancy Party go-er who's hat and tattoo I admired.

Angela's house is so adorable I might have to convince her to let me do a house tour on the blog at some point. It is seriously one of the most precious, well decorated & loved homes I have ever been in.

To end the night of festivities we had an ornament exchange. I brought a homemade glitter pinecone and Taylor's aunt ended up with it--she loved it and it made me so happy that it would go to a home where it would be appreciated. ;)

It was a great night with lovely friends.

The way all Fancy Christmas Parties should be.

when feeling, or not.

2011-12-18T09:51:00.002-06:00

This has been a really hard season for our family, but a beautiful one as well. Facing things in our lives past & present, painfully necessary growth and sanctification. Sometimes you don't know your heart unless you slow down and really take inventory.

A big hurdle after a lot of hard work is the--now what?

Not getting stuck in the feeling of sadness and of failures in the past. Moving right along to identity, peace and new beginnings in Christ.

Some simple gospel truths can carry us through this season and lead us to the best place we've ever been. I'm counting on it. 2012 is our year. 2011 was the year of striking out, taking chances, learning the hard way, toughing it out (some more,) doors closing & windows opening, doing even harder things than normal, being humbled, confession, & realization.

That was a whole lot jam-packed into one 12 month period.

I don't know what 2012 holds, but I hope it changes our lives in bigger ways than we can imagine or see for ourselves. (I also selfishly hope it means Cash being 100% potty trained rather than 75%--he'll get there!)

One of the biggest goals for myself is to wake up early every morning before Cash and set aside a devotion time, the SAME time every day. Rather than hoping I can "fit it in" at some point during the day. It is going to be hard because I cherish my sleep--but so worth it. If you have any "becoming a morning person" tips for me--PLEASE share. I could definitely use em'. :)

(And by early I'm talking like 5-5:30 am--If 7am is already being a morning person, I guess I need to become an EARLIER morning person. ha)

In the car...

2011-12-12T21:25:00.003-06:00

While Owen was in San Fransisco, we were driving to little old Louisville, KY with one of my bff's Danielle. Danielle and I have made this road trip a few times before--but we hadn't been in years, and this trip was MUCH overdue. You know those friends that when you think of them, you think of them together? Well when I think of mine and Danielle's friendship, I have to think of Rachel too. We are three best friends that came into each other's lives at the most important time--when we desperately needed each other. Rachel lives in Louisville with her husband and her two little sweeties--and although Danielle and I see each other quite frequently and we have both visited Rachel individually a few times over the last couple of years--we had not all been together in 2 YEARS!

Our trip actually wasn't much different with Cash in the car than it was when we would hit the road alone. Although I remember us being a lot more giggly before. ;)

Cash kept up his crazy toddler ways, but held it together well. He ate a lot of snacks, read books, sang songs, slept and ask us ALOT of questions. (He also asked to call daddy a lot--before Owen left he told Cash that he could call him anytime he wanted to. haha. Big mistake!)

Danielle was a wonderful pilot as always. She was a little nervous driving with our precious cargo in the back seat, but we made it just fine. :) At one point Cash asked her to give him a kiss (while she was driving) and she looked at me like, 'Is he serious?!'

And I was just super duper jazzed for the reunion that lay ahead. I had been saving my po' girl pennies for this trip. And I absolutely could not wait for the chaos that trying to catch up with three little ones hanging around would bring. Not perfect for getting to talk for hours, but I knew that wasn't the point. We three friends have always been good at loving each other right where we are in life. And little ones with drinks to be filled, diapers to be changed, food to eat--that's the reality where we live. Danielle deserves special props for the weekend, she was a champion with all of the kid action--and was a great auntie to our littles.

Ps. If you didn't read our Big News earlier Click Here.

::also, new headbands & pins in the shop!::

Pye news

2011-12-12T08:07:00.003-06:00

So, if you read regularly and you know a little bit about our lives (husband plays music & we travel for shows) you might have been a bit curious about all of these suspicious trips we have been taking to California and Nashville. (Our whole family flying to Sacramento? Last minute weekend in the ville? Owen in San Fran staying at the Ritz?!--SO not the way we usually travel. haha. And to be clear, not because we don't want to--but the funds are kind of lacking to travel in such ways. ;) )

Well--we are finally allowed to announce some big news in our lives. GO HERE.

We are super stoked. We have a lot of challenges coming up in the near future and I hope you will follow along while we figure out how to handle the newness and be good stewards of the great things God has placed in our lives. And hopefully at some point we will start making money. HA.

So thankful! To God be the glory!

Fancy Christmas Party::Outfit Post

2011-12-11T08:11:00.004-06:00

I haven't done one of these in a while! I find it unnatural to pull out the camera and document my outfits so I always forget. Actual fashion bloggers amaze me with their dedication to take outfit shots! (I think their husbands/boyfriends amaze me even more for taking such great photos!) haha. My sweet husband took these photos, I told him that we'll make a fashion photog out of him yet.

On to the actual outfit--this was my attempt at being festive but having no time to go out and get something new for the party. I had been planning on going out on a hunt all week and it didn't end up working out. So I landed on a bunch of old pieces with some crafted accessories.

I used my pearl necklace as a chunky bracelet.

(A happy mistake photo that I think is just lovely. There is something about wrists that get me every time.)

My dress is a thrifted vintage piece and has a black flower texture pattern all over it that I love. I made the little red rose buds out of some red fabric I had sitting around & sewed them to pins. They made perfect shoe clips and an accent to the scarf I used as a belt.

I did my hair retro/messy again. Still in love with.

Did I say that the shoes are 3 years old and from Payless? haha.

I don't know about being a fashion blogger, but I could definitely be the budget friendly version!

I mean, when I originally bought my dress a year ago it was $3. The only way to go ;)

a hope and a future...

2011-12-10T00:38:00.006-06:00

I have been beyond irritable the last few days. We have had a rough bunch of junk just pelting us. I'm ready to crawl out from under my cardboard shield and throw my hands up.

I was thinking earlier today that even though meditating on all of the good things in our lives and being thankful for them is appropriate and should be done frequently--it is NOT what should fuel the joy in our lives. We should be thankful & joyful even though someone has charged hundreds of dollars to our debit card & we are being charged an extra $300/mo every month for something we shouldn't be. (yes. just a couple of our yuck moments this week.)

This morning when I was starting to get crabby--I took a deep breath, stared out the window over the kitchen sink and thought, "At least we have a roof over our heads (even if our apartment is freezing--there it is again) we have socks on our feet and blankets on our beds--and beds we have BEDS!" And then I stopped. I felt pretty stupid for a few minutes when I thought about if I didn't have those things--would it then be okay to be bitter and angry? Nope.

In Jeremiah 29 God talks to the exiles in Babylon through the prophet Jeremiah. They were sent from Jerusalem to Babylon and just in case you think it was a vacation of sorts, it definitely was not. They were in trouble with God. They were exiled (refused permission to return/threatened with imprisonment or death upon return) and didn't have a home. In other words they had a crap ton to be crabby about. Their cars were breaking down, they hadn't been able to sleep, didn't have any groceries and couldn't fit into their jeans. (Okay maybe not that last one.)

What does God say to them? Well first He tells them to settle on in, He tells them to build houses, get married & have kids (meaning: you're going to be here a while!) He also tells them to seek prosperity for their new city through Him, because if it prospers--they will too. He promises to bring them home to Jerusalem when their seventy years of exile are over. And then he slips in this beautiful declaration that shows His love and nature:

"For I know the plans I have for you," Says the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all of the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

(this verse is used for SO many things and that is kind of annoying--but it is SO beautiful that it deserves attention, especially in context!)

I love love love that He says this to them after they are in trouble, they have done something wrong and are up to their necks in it. He doesn't say, because you are such good listeners I have plans to prosper you. Grace first. Always first.

Even though Owen and I aren't in exile--sometimes it seems like we are being punished. And although bad things happening aren't a direct "punishment" of us, they are the result of sin in the world. And yet God tells us, He knows the plans--we have a hope and a future! He says: "I will be found by you." Whoa. And that my friends is what I have needed to find my joy in these last few days. God. His plans, His Grace, & the fact that He knows the plans and that is enough.

I don't know how this post turned itself into a devotion of sorts. I wasn't planning on that. But I hope that if you read this it will be relatable to your life and situation. I am also hoping that all of my musings are on point & make sense--this was my little bible study for today and I don't normally share those with others. ha.

And here are some cute photos of Cash,

from our trip to Louisville, KY last weekend. Where we had a beautiful reunion with friends.

We were on the 10th floor of the hotel and had a great view of 4th street downtown.

Look at my little moonbeam and tell me that God doesn't know what He is doing.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year...in the shop

2011-12-09T11:26:00.003-06:00

Hey ya'll--so I know it has been a long time since I have update the shop with anything new...if you have been waiting for new pieces I apologize and am so excited to share. If you have (the more likely option) not noticed the absence of new pieces I am still excited to share! haha.

Here.

I plan on doing a hair tutorial of the hairstyle in the first few photos per request of a friend. I created it on a whim the other day trying to mimic how my grandmother used to wear her hair. It it my new favorite style!

If you like my new pieces I would be ever so grateful if you would spread the word. I am pretty terrible at promoting my designs and I am trying to work on that! So pin away, tweet it or mention them on Facebook!

Oh yeah, this is my Facebook page if you are interested in "liking" a little slice of pye.

Thanks friends! I hope to list more in the near future. :)

May your days be merry and bright...

2011-12-04T17:38:00.002-06:00

We are tuckered out over here. Cash and I just got back from a trip to see some of our dear friends in Louisville, KY--and let me tell ya, it was a doozie. Traveling without d-a-d-d-y was hard and being almost two and a half is a really rough season for Cash. It is our first time dealing with melt downs and tantrums and that feeling of never wanting to go out of your house with your child again. Luckily I had the support of my loving friends (Danielle & Rachel--ya'll are the BEST) and Owen was only a simple phone call away doing "business" in San Francisco. We are awaiting daddy's arrival tomorrow with excitement and watching too much pink panther to cope with the fact that he still won't be here for 24 hours.

Before we left we put up our tiny little fake tree to celebrate the 1st of December. When daddy gets home we get to go purchase our big Christmas tree and lug it home. Hooray! I made Cash an advent calendar this year and we having something new and fun for every day. He really loves reading the story of Jesus' birth, (especially the part when the angels come and sing to the shepherds.)

My whole body hurts and I am emotionally depleted--but I am so full of love & hope. And so thankful for God's grace. I hope that you find peace in your circumstance this week and greet others with a heart full of the Holy Spirit.

a short term farewell?

2011-11-29T08:49:00.003-06:00

I am sad to say that I will be even more absent from the blog than usual. I am currently typing this from my sister's computer because our macbook won't start :( sad day! We knew we were coming up on needing a new one, but were hoping it would hold out a little bit longer. Oh well--definitely NOT the end of the world. :)

Source: countryliving.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Are you getting ready for the beauty and the magic of Christmas?

Beyond preparing your house with decorations & presents with wrapping--If you believe in the Savior of the universe who came as a little baby, it is time to start preparing your heart in this advent season. I am trying to soak up all of the merriment & not get too stressed about what presents to get for folks--but most of all meditating on the fact that God loves us SO much that he sent his son as a baby to later give his life for us.

If you're reading this--it isn't too late. There is hope for restoration & reconciliation.

a thankful heart

2011-11-26T20:53:00.002-06:00

We had four Thanksgivings this year and I'm not going to lie, it was a bit overkill.

We're crazy tired and Cash hasn't been himself since after the first two.

(on our way to "Friendsgiving")

But I am thankful that we have too many loved ones to count on all of our fingers and toes.

So happy to have a Savior who loves us.

And blessed to have more than enough yummy food to fill our bellies.

(Thanksgiving at the Pye house)

We were the hosts of my side of the family's Thanksgiving and our theme was nourishing and whole foods. We bought a turkey from a local farm, had new veggies for the first time (parsnips & turnips anyone?! They were delicious--I slightly modified this recipe,) tried gluten free pasta & all of our desserts were sugarless (I made this chocolate tart.) It was completely amazing. There was no sick feeling after eating mountains of delicious food. Perfection.

I also got to pitch in at the Pye family's Thanksgiving and bring pumpkin pie, a classic.

(dad's birthday celebration)

Cash was a little overwhelmed with everything going on, all of the people and constant changes. But he did play oh so sweetly with his little "twin" (aka cousin) Emory.

(dad's birthday)

Aside from all of the Thanksgiving festivities we also celebrated my Dad's birthday (it was the day after Thanksgiving) and we had a wine and cheese party--just like him, they get better with age! ;) haha. I got him these silly straw glasses as part of his gift and they were a big hit. I have officially decided that having a fun/funny part to gifts is the best--a lot of times the item that costs a couple of bucks is the most well loved & entertaining.

(dad's birthday)

Now it is time to start thinking about Christmas. I got into the spirit by wearing my new long underwear. We are trying to shop locally and independently as much as we can for gifts. Although I did make a little wish list over here (couldn't resist.) I am hoping for some mismatched teacups, a serger, and maybe a piece of furniture. You never know what santa will bring. ;)

So looking forward to getting our Christmas tree this week and actually having a few minutes to breathe. It sounds just heavenly.

Sir Cashington

2011-11-23T08:14:00.002-06:00

Cash is 2 years & 4 months now. Time flies when you're having fun.

I seriously can't believe how much of a big boy he is and how he belongs to us.

Best. feeling. ever.

Right now Cash is: loving classics like Wallace & Gromit, he says things like: "I'll call daddy"(when he is missing Owen during the day) and "Hi guys, come on in!" (when people come over.) He eats an absurd amount of food (more than me or Owen!) He really loves to dance and will frequently walk into a room and say, "Hey guys, let's DANCE! Yay!" He's a sassy little man and has taken to pursing his lips & pointing his finger when he's asking for something--I really need to get a photo of this--it is hilarious! He is still the most loving fella around, kisses and hugs are the ultimate and make you feel like a million bucks. He's still working on his potty training and he's at about 60% of the time. All in all we are so thankful and blessed to be his mommy and daddy.

Oh yeah, did I mention he really likes to lick things?

Victorian Holiday

2011-11-20T15:24:00.003-06:00

One of the perks of living in a tiny historic town is all of the quaint little events that are tradition and happen every year. One of those events here is Victorian Holiday--where they light the town, have carriage rides, greenery for sale, carolers, & so much more.

(from the park next to our apartment)

There are sweet little window displays all over town--the women in this town KNOW how to decorate. They have whole events dedicated to sharing their decorating secrets and making your home cozy and festive for the holidays.

(Cash licked this window. Yes, you read that right. LICKED IT.)

There were photos with Father Christmas, which we have still yet to do for Cash. He doesn't really even know who Santa is--so I feel like it would be pretty anticlimactic. I was just admiring the beautiful wreaths on the door...

(pretty doors)

(SANTAS!)

When they did all of the announcing I realized how much our town reminds me of Stars Hollow. Funny, awkward, small town America. Love it.

(The shell lights were the bomb!)

The Victorian tree has been lit and is right next door, so fun to have it right outside our window. Nothing more festive and fun.

(me, elise & danielle)

It was hard to get photos with the lighting and a crazy two year old dancing around in circles & getting hopped up on kettle corn and hot chocolate. Luckily we have fun regardless of crazy.

(carriage rides, lighted street)

The kiddos wouldn't hold still long enough to get a non-blurry mug. But I mean--how cute are they?! They have their tiffs, but they love each other so much. So thankful that my sisters kiddos are close to Cash's age.

(Emmy, Leland & Cash)

With my lover bug. Loving life.

Any sweet holiday traditions in your neighborhood or town?

sicky sicky sicky

2011-11-12T14:45:00.002-06:00

We are crazy sick over here. And have been for about a week.

It all started last Sunday (when the photos below were taken) and Cash had a tummy ache after church. Owen was gone last weekend but when he got home on Sunday afternoon he was helping me take care of Cash and he got sick too. On Tuesday they were both feeling better, not 100% but still better. By Wednesday I thought I had escaped the plague. Not so. I went straight to bed Wednesday night and didn't get out of bed all of Thursday other than bathroom visits. Friday was about the same, and unfortunately both Cash & Owen got sick again or were still sick--whichever. Today I have started to feel a little bit better and got to eat my first bit of food in 2 days! I have been dreaming of buffets & Thanksgiving dinners. I had a salad which wasn't quite what I had in mind, but it was light & healthy and hopefully won't rock the recovery boat too much. I wish I could say that Cash and Owen are on the mend, but they both still have fevers and aren't in great shape. I have just been trying to love on them and take care of them the best I know how. So sad seeing your loves sick.

Instead of focusing on sickness, let me direct you to the fun we had at Tower Grove Park last sunday:

He loves the leaves. It makes me a little bummed out that we don't have a backyard with a bunch of our own leaves. BUT--so thankful that we have so many great places to go and enjoy them at.

We were so happy to be accompanied by Aunt Kiki (my litter sister) and our friend Danielle. Nothing better than being with the people you love on a beautiful day with nothing in particular to accomplish.

We're a little obsessed with being lovey these days. When something good happens or Cash does something well he runs up to me and goes "HUUUUGGGG mommy!!! YAY!" Sweetest.

Oh and thank you to Danielle for these photos from her phone. :)

Thift action

2011-11-07T14:50:00.003-06:00

I go in and out of thrifting spurts, and these days I am trying to be more consistent in my thrift store perusing.

Here are my guidelines: 1) I have a running list of things that I am looking for--If I spot something that is on the list and the price is reasonable, it is an instant "okay to buy" purchase. 2) If I am just out shopping with nothing specific in mind and I find something great, I have to walk around with it for my entire trip around the store--at the end I make a final decision and make sure that it would really be useful to me. 3) I try not to buy anything that is more work than it is worth and check out my items from every angle possible before purchase.

I went on a little thrifting trip with my sweet friend Sharon last week and these are my finds:

(2) light blue Mason Jars, these were an AMAZING find because they are in perfect condition and only $1 a piece. They are going for up to $50 on ebay! I felt so lucky to come across them before anyone else :)

A Thanksgiving book about one of Cash's favorite characters! Another piece I was excited to come across--books for Cash are always on the list, especially ones pertaining to things that are coming up. It has already made its way into the daily reading circulation. And for 25 cents it didn't break the bank.

Lastly, a sweet little holiday shirt for Cash. Clothing that doesn't have any stains, rips or missing buttons make it into my bag if it is something I would by for full price. This shirt for Cash was $1, I had been looking at a brand new version online on gilt ($30) and was trying to decide if I should get it. Problem solved.

I know some people think thrifting is weird/gross/too hard/etc. but it is really something that has been a way of life for me since jr. high. It was/is the way that I find things that are "me" without having to shell out a bunch of money. I also try to return the favor and donate my gently used items back into thrift stores that are charities. It is a great way to reduce/reuse/recycle.

Cake with ZERO sugar.

2011-11-04T09:30:00.000-05:00

Doesn't that sound crazy? Cake with no sugar sounds like it would probably suck.

Instead this cake was moist, yummy & nutritious.

My sister pinned it on Pinterest and we decided to make it for my mom's birthday party extravaganza.

Source: nourishedkitchen.com via Elise on Pinterest

I got to work as soon as we got back from our shopping trip in which we stocked up on delicious ingredients.

This specific recipe called for a dozen eggs. Which seemed a little excessive to me, but it was entertaining to crack and whisk all of those eggs. ;)

I used coconut flour, coconut milk and raw honey as the other main ingredients. (Follow the link under the pinterest photo and it will give you step by step instructions!) I also got to use my new bundt stone from Pampered Chef. Love it!

We decided from the beginning that instead of making the frosting to go along with the cake we were going to bake some pears in wine sauce and make it into a glaze for the top of the cake.

It worked out pretty great! We all felt wonderfully full and nourished after our meal, but we felt especially good after eating our sugar-less/gluten free cake. Instead of that sickly feeling you get after eating a bunch of sugary treats--we were feeling comfy and satisfied.

The perfect addition to our night of whole foods & lovely celebrating.

moving on up...to Alaska.

2011-11-03T12:34:00.003-05:00

You have heard me speak of our friends BJ & Josie before, well they are moving/have moved to Alaska! BJ has been there training for his job on the police force and Josie is traveling up for his graduation in a few days. And then they will live there.

What?! Crazy town.

I was lucky enough to get some hang time with Josie & our sweet friend Raelene.

We spent some time eating & talking at Seven. And then hit up an antique shop. Rae got a cool window pain and I got a vintage top. Josie got nothing as it is hard enough to cram all of the goodness she wants to take with her in suitcases already.

I'll miss this girl a lot. And so will many others.

What a great adventure sweet friend, enjoy it! Don't waste a day.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-03T11:43:00.002-05:00

Oooops. I am behind! I meant to post these yesterday...photos of our halloween costumes!

I was a cardinal & Cash was Kevin McCallister from Home Alone.

Both were relatively low maintenance costumes and we put them together the day of...I know, we are procrastinators! I made my headdress out of some red felt I had around the house + some black elastic. I was also wearing a red dress, but you can't see it under my coat.

Cash had two costume changes...This one he couldn't wear in public--but was by far the most fun.

Happy Halloween. Ya filthy animal.

A little Gentleman...

2011-10-31T11:38:00.003-05:00

Remember when I asked you all to vote for Cash to win a wardrobe from gilt children?

Well, we won the contest!!! And a few weeks ago we were credited with the prize. I get so excited to go to their site and do a little shopping for him. I had only been mildly impressed with the selection until today. I probably went a little overboard, (I am ordering everything in 3t so hopefully it will fit him for the next 2 years) but it will be so completely worth it to dress him up as a dapper little man. Grab a piece or two for your own little man, because this Tom & Drew stuff is pretty much to die for.

Source: gilt.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Are your eyes watering because of how adorable this stuff is too? I can't believe it is actually on it's way to our house. We serve such a kind and loving God who bestows things upon us that we don't deserve and don't need.

If you need an invitation to gilt, click here.

push & pull

2011-10-28T08:39:00.002-05:00

I am constantly torn between working more & providing money for my family or working less outside of the home and providing more: care, comfort, preparation, seamlessness, support and the list goes on.

I wish there was an easy answer but there isn't really.

I know that without me bringing in outside income we wouldn't be making it right now, and I really like working part time. But the nature of my job is unpredictable & last minute. Which can be awesome or extremely stressful.

Example: Last weekend we went on a last minute trip to Nashville, TN and we were able to because I didn't have any work. (The first weekend in I don't know how long!) This week I have been working a promotion for the World Series & just found out last night that I have to work today because of Game 7. (I already worked W/TH & I have regular jobs scheduled for Sat & Sun.) This is when part time work turns into full time work and while it would be great for our bank account--it isn't so great for our sanity.

I feel like when things are this crazy I miss out on so much with Cash as well as opportunities to be a support to Owen. I don't know if there is ever a balance to this struggle.

And I really hate when other people have to pick up the slack because of me.

It is just money, but it is also God's provision for us to live.

I would gladly pick potty training Cash, making banana bread, cleaning the house & carving pumpkins over working--but I also can't take for granted the opportunities handed to me.

Discernment is so important.

a thanks giving.

2011-10-24T10:45:00.003-05:00

When things aren't going so well, I try to think of ways to "suffer" well. Flip the situation on it's head and see it in a different light, or see it for what it is and know that things will get better.

Luckily right now I haven't been having to think about that. I have been thinking about how to handle blessings appropriately. We have been so incredibly poured out upon lately that instead of relishing in it and forgetting myself--I want to remember the right way to soak up blessings. How to turn what has been given to you into a gift.

I see others around me do it incredibly well, and some not do it at all.

Something we are specifically blessed with this week is that dear friends of ours are home from Germany for a couple of weeks. We got to see them last Sunday and tonight we get to break bread with them. SO happy.

Don't they look amazing? They brought Elihu a whole new member of their family for us to meet--he was born back in May (in Germany) and is the sweetest doll baby EVER!

Things are happening around us, falling slowly into place--and I have never been on the verge of thankful tears so much in my life. Not because I think that we are done with trouble, pain & suffering--but because I know that it is all worth it & it is clear that God has his hand on our lives. I am so encouraged to grow and move forward & hopefully impact others to do the same. I want to share what Christ has done for me, so they will stand with me on that day.

Ps. I talk about Jesus and my faith quite a bit on this blog, if you have any questions about that please feel free to email me: jillianpye@gmail.com

adventuring

2011-10-22T23:45:00.000-05:00

These were taken on what may be the last t-shirt & shorts day of the season.

(Sometime last week.)

Cash and I doing our usual adventuring around town.

There is something magically perfect about being 2. Cash has no idea whatsoever about feeling insecure, appropriateness, or social norms. He just has fun and does what he does. I follow him around and try not to stifle it. ;)

Remember those days? Remember that fun?

When you didn't care what you looked like in a photo & every single person was your friend?

Reason #876,935 of why being a parent is awesome? They remind you of the parts of yourself that you have lost along the way...the sweet, precious & adventuring parts.

The ones that you really want to be.

valuable

2011-10-18T13:13:00.003-05:00

I have been taking an unofficial inventory of the things in my life. Weighing them, one by one. What do I value? What holds great merit, in what do I hold high regard--in who? It has all been quite revealing and has made me slowly step back from certain things. It has also sent me into deep thoughtful meditation on others.

Since our lovely autumn weather will soon be turning to a very cold Midwestern winter, we have been taking advantage of long adventurous walks. Cash and I collect pine cones & acorns with their little "hats" as he likes to call them. Owen sips on coffee and follows us along. I stop and snap photographs every once in a while--of things like our town's 19th century brick sidewalks.

Small things send me to another time and place. I appreciate--I dig in. I am simple and so are my needs. My heart pumps blood through my body as I breath in cold air to fill my lungs. We are the same, you and I. I have an innate sense to prepare for the coming winter. Like the squirrels and the birds. But for me it is old quilts, rich teas & jams.

Time to grow my spiritual & intellectual muscles this winter while I try to hibernate. Bundle up in grandpa sweaters with books all around and stain my fingers with ink writing in my journal. I'm not ready for it--but who is ever ready for the bitter chill that winter can bring?

I have thankfulness oozing out of every crevice. I am thankful for the things that wreck me and the things that bring me joy. Thankful for the ache--because I know that I'm alive.

And Christ stands eternal. It is because of Him that I might type these words.

Find your valuables. Find them and hold tight.

Local Love: Windcrest Dairy Farm

2011-10-12T09:49:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we went to Windcrest Dairy Farm in Trenton, IL.

It was a precious little trip and I have no doubt that we will be going back soon!

We went with my sister, Elise & her husband, kiddos and their family friend George.

There was so much to see, enjoy & learn about.

We love farm life.

The kids LOVED it!

I was enamored with the way the cows would just stare me down. I loved it so much, I took my own "cow" photo...

At the end of the tour you get to taste some of their delicious yogurt. It is amazing. :) If you are local or ever plan to visit the neighborhood you should definitely pay them a visit. Feel free to like them on facebook too.

Check out Local Farms in your neighborhood--and enjoy their goodness.

pinned it::inspiration

2011-10-12T08:04:00.002-05:00

Some of my favorites from my Pinterest lately.

There is something about these pencils, the headboard & collar that make me swoon.

Don't you agree?

Source: thisiscolossal.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Source: google.co.uk via Jillian on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Jillian on Pinterest

bag lady

2011-10-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

I recently came across a few of my old bags, jackets & accessories that my parents still had at their house in storage.

I was terribly excited to happen upon this little baby:

I bought it for $4 in high school. When I was 14 I started volunteering at a thrift store where all the proceeds went to charity. Above the actual store they have a floor full of vintage clothing, hand bags and shoes--all donated from the family of a rich woman who was a shopaholic. The clothing isn't open to the general public, but because I worked there I got to go up and check it out. I only had about 10 minutes up there the first time and I grabbed this bag, I thought it was just perfect. I still think it is. So lovely. I have been using it for the past week.

The other day when I was out and about at a thrift store on the same street as the one that I used to volunteer at, I happened upon a similar bag that made my heart do a little pitter patter.

For $2 you just can't go wrong. Just as sweet as can be. It is sitting with some of my other bags waiting for a girls night out. ;)

Local Love: Circa

2011-10-02T15:27:00.003-05:00

Something I have missed about staying in one place is frequenting my favorite local spots. One of my favorite areas is downtown Belleville. They have the old Lincoln theater, the Pie Pantry & lots of thrift & antique shops. Another shop that I have a soft spot for is Circa.

It is a sweet little independent boutique, run by the very talented lady Andria Powell. She works hard to keep it stocked full of beautiful, interesting & local pieces.

She creates the displays, arranges the store & and is a very talented artist in her own right.

(How much fun would it be to create window displays?! What a dream job!?)

I am the first person to tell you not to buy things at full price, and that I try to get everything I buy at a steal of a deal. BUT at the same time--I make a concentrated effort to buy from local shops, boutiques and cafes. Because I know the extra dollar or two goes back into my community and supports someone's small business dream. So: BUY LOCAL & BUY INDEPENDENT. If we don't support our local & small businesses, they will start to disappear. Take a stand & make an effort! Go out of your way--and I promise it will be much more enriching. (Sorry--I'll step off of my soap box now!)

She has a great selection of clothing, & even a few things for the kiddos. I got an adorable knit top for $15 (at 50%) it was a perfect fit for my wardrobe and still fit in the budget. The shopping experience is so relaxed and laid back. I felt like I was hanging out with a sweet friend, chit chatting while I perused & tried on. Andria is also a momma to a young mr., it was great to connect with her about that and see the fulfillment of creative dreams while balancing motherhood.

What are you waiting for? If you are local, you need to stop into Circa (128 East Main St. Belleville, IL 62220) (Hours: M-F 10am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm Sun closed) and if you aren't local you can always check them out online.

Ps. Andria/Circa did not pay me to say any of these nice things. I'm just speaking the truth here. ;)

A good read

2011-10-02T14:10:00.002-05:00

Our sweet little town had it's fall festival this weekend.

I love it so much. People look at us like we are crazy when we walk out our front door because we walk right out onto the street full of vendors & crafters. They aren't expecting us and we give them a bit of a scare.

Our little library has a book sale every year at the festival and you can fill a bag with books for $1.

I normally try not to get too close because I have enough stuff already. ;)

But this year I walked away with a haul. I am trying to build up Cash's library and they had some amazing vintage children's books.

I was so excited about:

And the illustrations in this book make me SO happy!

Cash was filled with glee when I showed up with a stack of books. He is such a sweet boy and loves to read just like his momma.

Do you have any favorite old school kid's books? I am still on a high from such a great deal!

stripes

2011-09-29T08:19:00.002-05:00

For the last little while I have taken an unplanned blogging break.

I have been trying to hold regular life together and make it better. There hasn't been as much time to keep record of it all. I have been working alot, cleaning/organizing/decorating, hostessing parties, and living life with my sweet friends and family.

It has been a little hectic to say the least.

Everything seems to be changing so fast. I wish I could put in a request for it all to slow down a bit. Can anyone else relate?

We are attempting to be a one car family for a while to save money, and this is one of my days with transportation so I better get going. We are having a party tonight and I am making pumpkin pie (!) my first of the season. hooray!

little darling...

2011-09-18T22:52:00.002-05:00

I snapped this photo of our sweetie while in Sacramento's Old Town.

I love him.

I leave this evening to go work an event for a couple of days in Kansas City & I'm sad to leave my little pumpkin & my Mr. It is "that time" of the month and I think I'm particularly emotional. haha.

This week is non stop action & jam packed to the brim with things to do.

If you are in the area, you should be at this festival this weekend. I am going Saturday morning and I have quite few friends who will be participating & have booths!

Also you should be at this concert on Monday night. It will be as my husband says, a night full of vocal hugs and high fives.

I have just been catching up on emails and it has given me such a fresh dose of perspective, I am so thankful to have all of the wonderful people in my life that I do. I also read a great article that my friend Cory posted, Read Here. It will give you a fresh does of perspective as well.

Happy Tuesday Ya'll.

"I'm stuck in Folsom Prison...and time keeps draggin' on."

2011-09-16T21:48:00.002-05:00

Here is that Folsom Prison post that I have been promising...

Like I said before most people probably wouldn't be hanging out at a prison on their vacation day (especially with a 2 year old) but we thought it would be a fun place to explore.

With special significance to us.

It was fabulous. I recommend it. Tickets are $2 for ages 12 & over. It isn't a huge museum but everything that there is to see is really interesting. That ferris wheel was built by an inmate completely out of toothpicks! Crazy. I wanted to cart half of the stuff out of there and use it to decorate my house, is that weird?

kapow.

2011-09-15T08:26:00.002-05:00

I promise I'm not deliberately being flaky.

I got off of work early yesterday (because it was raining and we were slow) and I really wanted to go home and spend time with Cash because the day before I had been gone all day and I really missed him.

Instead of making it home to play with him...

my car hydroplaned on the interstate.

(in Sacramento @our hotel)

It not only hydroplaned, I lost complete control of the vehicle and it slammed into the center cement partition. (To see a photo of the car, go here.)

I luckily just have a few bruises & soreness. Praise God!

I told Owen that I have extreme feelings of guilt lately. We were just getting back on our feet from coming home from tour and I gave us $2,000+ of medical bills from my hospital visits & at least $500 (insurance deductible) of car bills from this accident, if not worse because the car might be counted a loss.

I know that it isn't my fault, but I can't help but feel responsible. And I know that God is the one that takes care of us & is the one who will fix this, not me--but I still feel like it is my problem and I need to figure it out. I'm a little sad right now and just hope that I can stop being such a dang screw up! sheesh. Lock me up.

one little peek...(Folsom Prison)

2011-09-12T08:52:00.003-05:00

When we went to Folsom Prison last weekend I was a bit enchanted.

That probably sounds weird,

but I am intrigued with history.

I loved that we were in such an interesting place--where there were so many memories!

We had fun snooping through the museum, reading articles & spying at the prison from a ways off. (The prison is still a working prison and you are only allowed to get so close to it.)

I worked all weekend and I have been pretty dead to the world otherwise. It is so draining to have all of regular weekend duties + working at multiple events. I'm not complaining though, so thankful to be able to contribute and take care of our family.

I will be back later with some more about good ol' Folsom Prison...

JoshuaFest 2011

2011-09-09T01:04:00.002-05:00

The whole reason for our excursion to Sacramento was JoshuaFest 2011.

It was a really laid back music festival with a very summer camp feel.

It was our first full day in CA and we were still a little tired from the day of travel beforehand.

But we were excited to be there and have such a fun experience that was totally unexpected for us. It's not every day that someone calls you up and wants to fly your whole family out to play a festival, pays your expenses and is a really cool hang. (What?!)

Cash enjoyed himself to the full. There were bounce houses, snow cones & lots of music which were all wins in his book (mine too.) :)

These huge beds of flowers along one of the main walkways were gorgeous. The whole campground was actually really beautiful. There were tents everywhere that the festival goers had pitched to stay the week. It was a really lovely display of community driven by the arts.

Owen played an afternoon slot on the main stage. He's never played this area before and actually only played California once before (in Eagle Rock/ LA area) so this was a brand new audience of listeners. We met a lot of great people who loved his set.

Since the festival was so laid back, Cash got to sit onstage while Owen was playing. It was really precious to watch him watch Owen play & bop around to all of the songs. Especially when he would get excited for his favorites.

Same time next year JoshuaFest? ;)

Sacramento, CA

2011-09-05T19:20:00.002-05:00

Saturday was a looong crazy day of travel, Sunday was the festival & today we have spent the whole day doing whatever we want! Tomorrow we hightail it back to the airport and go home to STL.

Here we are pouty muggin' celebrity style by the pool.

We're about to head to Old Town to get some eats. We checked out Fulsom prison and I can't wait to write about that. (Yeah we're not normal--most people would've wanted to go to the Labor Day Festival in town...instead we drove to a prison. haha)

::keep love alive::week 4::Guest post, Rubyellen Bratcher::

2011-09-02T07:34:00.004-05:00

Hello friends! I am pleased to bring back the "keep love alive" feature this week! We had a couple of "those" weeks around here and a few posts fell through the cracks. But this week we have a super special treat--one of my all time favorite bloggers is sharing with us today. It is Rubyellen from cakies! I love how Ruby writes honestly and from the heart while sharing about her family, her faith and her creations. She is SUCH a creative mommy and if you don't already read her blog you will fall in love right away. Without further ado:

Hi! I am Rubyellen from Cakies and I am happy to share a smidge about how Ben and I "keep love alive"!

We have three little ones and one more coming literally any day now, so this weekend we thought it necessary to send the kids to my parents' house and just have a relaxing time at home with just the two of us. Happy chaos will ensue soon, so we wanted to make sure to get a breather in before it all hits.

Ben is a really good communicator and listener. I, on the other hand, am a very bad listener, so sometimes my inability to listen gets me into trouble. I think I try to multi-task too much and too often that I fail to really just focus on what Ben tells me sometimes, which of course is not showing love and respect to him and I need to work on being more self-less in that regard.

Everyday, I make his lunch. Everyday, he reads my blog. And everyday, we give each other kisses. The simplest things are the best!

Getting the kids to bed at a decent hour (we put ours at 7:30pm), so you both can have alone time in some peace and quiet makes all the difference in the world!

Thank you Ruby! I can't wait to read all about your new tiny addition to the family.

For "keep love alive" Week 1 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 2 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 3 go Here.

well fed.

2011-09-01T19:56:00.002-05:00

We have been in a huge transition stage moving back into an apartment and being hit with a full stack of normal bills every month. It is a readjustment that won't be hard to make once paychecks are a bit more reliable. (Which will be soon--hooray!)

So I have in turn been working on our grocery budget, I am trying for $40/wk. I remember when I was much more of a novice housewife & used to spend $80+/wk for just the two of us! WHAT?! It can be hard to make a small amount of food stretch that long, but we want to be saving money & this is a great way for us to do that.

A good way to cut down your costs is to buy your veggies fresh & do the work yourself. Buy a head of lettuce, a crown of broccoli, some spinach & a bunch of carrots--and you've got enough salad for the whole week, instead of one of those small "fresh express" bags.

I love peeling potatoes and carrots. You have to set aside the extra time it takes to prep before the meal--but it is definitely worth it! The reason that I love it so much might be because I can imagine women all over the world in all different times [past & present] doing that same simple task. Preparing food is such a special event, whether it is for 2 people or 20.

I am looking forward to learning some new things this fall: making jams, homemade applesauce, fresh baked bread & some vegetable juicing.

And of course the old standbys of: banana bread, pumpkin pie & homemade soups.

YUM!

hair diaries...

2011-08-31T21:39:00.003-05:00

I think I told you before that I haven't colored my hair since December of last year and haven't had it cut since February.

I have been feeling a little blah & like I could use a hair makeover.

A few days ago I decided to part my hair down the center...

and I ended up loving it.

Simple, easy & cheap. haha.

(Excuse my pajamas, I took these photo first thing after I woke up.)

I also highly recommend bed head. I almost always love my hair more the day after I wash it.

Some kind of insane mojo has happened with my hair color though--I used to dye it like this. And somehow it has very organically grown out pretty great! I'm so pleased that I no longer spend the time and money to color it. (Although, who knows--I may color it again someday. Never say never!)

Any simple hair fixes that always work for you?

hanging with great grandpa Lowell

2011-08-30T22:00:00.002-05:00

We found out recently that my grandfather Lowell has a tumor in his liver.

He had a surgery that is helping temporarily, but it doesn't look very good in the long run.

(Ever since grandma passed a couple of years ago, his health has been in a serious decline--something like a broken heart...)

Luckily he doesn't live too far away (far enough for it to be a day trip) but close enough that we can try and visit pretty frequently.

Visiting grandpa is so great because it lifts his spirits to have company and we love spending time with him. (He is such an amazing grandfather/great grandfather and loves to play with his great grand babies!)

Cash put all of his crayons into grandpa's pockets because he saw that he already had a pen in his pocket. It was pretty great. :)

They both get a kick out of each other. It was so special to witness their time playing and getting to know one another. I pray they get to spend more time together...hopefully at least a few more years.

If you are lucky enough to still have your grandparents around--go visit them. They need your love, conversation & encouragement.

gathering

2011-08-30T10:25:00.003-05:00

Starting next week, we are opening our home to a gospel community.

A gospel community is a small group of people who meet together weekly to learn about Jesus & His word, encourage each other, pray for each other & share life.

We will have a meal and time set aside for a gathering & conversation.

Source: rosencrown.blogspot.com via Jillian on Pinterest

I am so excited, nervous & eagerly anticipating what God will do through this simple, intentional time of community.

I am also excited about creating a beautiful space & inviting feel in my home.

Here's to:

Eating yummy foods

Making new friends

Sharing the gospel

Crying & laughing

Loving deeply

Gathering with intention.

wood workin'

2011-08-29T23:51:00.003-05:00

A few months ago my friend Sharon asked me to help out with their upcoming wedding. She was hoping I might have some ideas for a banner to help decorate for the reception.

I thought about it a lot and decided that I really wanted to venture into new territory and try working with wood. I went straight to my main source of knowledge for all things manly, my daddy.

He helped me pick out the wood and after I told him what I wanted, cut my pieces with his table saw. He's great!

I took the stack of wood triangles home and sanded down the edges until they were smooth:

After I wiped them down I stained them with a beautiful dark walnut (LOVED how it turned out.) And then freehanded their names with some white paint:

They strung it above the outdoor fireplace & it turned out just lovely.

I hope they can use it in their new little home as well.

I have shared a few photos from the wedding in a couple of posts before, but here are a few more:

(I can see his photo replicated when they are teenagers.) ;)

the next Picasso?

2011-08-28T14:08:00.004-05:00

This past week I let Cash paint his first canvas.

He L-O-V-E-D it.

He sat and finished the whole painting and didn't get too messy. ;)

He learned about mixing colors, and how yellow + blue = green.

He very painted carefully and intentionally which was very precious to see.

I love that my little darlin' loves to paint, draw and make a big mess just like his mama.

Every time he sees it hanging on the wall he says, "paint peeasee!"

I think we will get it framed--good idea, right?

a bit of excitement...

2011-08-25T07:23:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago we got some really really splendid news:

Owen was asked to play a music festival in Plymouth, CA (near Sacramento) by some folks that are interested in his music.

A week or so after that we found out that they wanted Cash and I to come too!

What a beautiful blessing.

It is not often that you come across people in music that appreciate family & togetherness quite like we do.

(source)

We have a long flight (for a toddler) ahead of us to prepare for, as well as a couple of days staying in this lovely city. I am really looking forward to the little escape it will be.

If you are from the area, or know someone who is--any connections would be great--as we know no one there.

I am thankful and hopeful & so pleased for my hubby.

Cash Fash-ion (Vintage)

2011-08-24T16:05:00.002-05:00

Cash got SO many compliments at that wedding we went to on Saturday--you would've thought he was getting married by how many photographers were following him around taking his photo.

Of course the only photo that I got of his outfit he was making a silly, "mooooom, I'm trying to run around and plaaaaaay!" face. He was having a lot of fun with his cousins.

(Cash is wearing a vintage shirt that I got for $1, sale jeans from crazy 8, minnetonka moccasins & tie that came for free with another shirt.)

I love dressing him in sweet vintage pieces.

So you can imagine my glee when I spotted this little blazer when I was out to lunch with a dear friend on Monday:

perfection.

Aren't things always more precious when tiny?

...

2011-08-22T11:18:00.002-05:00

I'm too lazy to upload all of the photos from the weekend right now.

So you get a photo with me and the prettiest bride EVER. We loved getting to see our sweet friends tie the knot and enter into such a beautiful union.

This was possibly one of the busiest weekends we've had in a while--and we've had a lot of busy weekends lately. I worked promotions all weekend, we had the rehearsal & wedding, friends stay over night, a church wide BBQ, Owen led worship at a church Sunday morning, & also helped lead at our church at night. I am still tired just thinking about it.

Cash had a little (late) birthday shout-out over at OhDeeDoh today.

I am on my way to meet up with a sweet friend for lunch so, arrivederci!

lately: bits of life in phone photos...

2011-08-20T00:23:00.002-05:00

1. Our sweet friends are getting married tomorrow, I made a wooden banner for the occasion.

2. Poppyseed Chicken, one of my husband's all time favorite meals.

3. A photo of the hubs when he was Cashy's age, see a resemblance much?

4. Banana split at the Classic Soda shop two blocks down the street from our apartment.

I know what you're thinking...

2011-08-17T11:43:00.004-05:00

You're a mom, not a fashion model.

haha.

I know, I know.

I feel a little cheese ball when I do these outfit posts.

But--it is fun to document.

I was probably about 6'3 in these wedges & with my bun on top of my head I was definitely as tall (or taller) than Owen. (He's 6'5.)

I wore this on our date last night and I couldn't help but notice the looks that I was getting. I guess for being so tall? (And I suppose just because it is the Midwest...) We ended up settling on some good old fried american food for dinner, and saw a movie. The theater was pretty much empty because it was a Tuesday night. I like when that happens because I can laugh as loud as I want. :)

Being married for 3 years feels unreal. Sometimes I feel like we have known each other & have been married for 30 years and sometimes only 3 minutes. It isn't really the amount of time that matters it is the fact that we continue to work hard at our marriage everyday. Sometimes you slack and sometimes you pick up the slack of the other---but mostly you just try to love real and love well. Marriage has really changed so much about me and the way that I view life & I am so thankful for that. I want to enjoy and learn from every second that we are given to be together.

Round' these parts...

2011-08-16T17:40:00.002-05:00

Today Cash and I took a walk around town.

(We also ran some errands out of town & saw his cousies aka cousins.)

We took this photo in front of one of the oldest buildings in town that has some amazing textured siding. I love checking it out when we walk through and thinking about how excited the owners probably were when it was first built.

I found this little gem on craigslist for Cash the other day:

A vintage Jaymar children's piano! The owner just lived a few streets over from us.

It is out of tune but Cash loves to bang on it. I see a little project in the future for it. It definitely needs to be weighted because it is a little top heavy.

We also stopped by the mural in town that is painted on the City Hall/fire station/library. (Yep! We live in a small town.) I love that its nickname is "City of the Cedars" but I think that is kind of stretching it...I mean "city?!" more like village. ;)

Today is the 3rd anniversary of Owen & tying the knot & pledging to love each other forever ya'll. We're heading out for a low key date. Hopefully burgers will be involved. yum.

around our home...

2011-08-12T16:28:00.004-05:00

In the kitchen:

I have been taking a lot of stuff & using it in different ways around the house. It is a cheap way to get a new look! This yellow clock was just laying in a box (we used it for this music video,) and the white shelves had been used in the pantry for storage (I replaced it with the trash can.) I pulled my 36 cupcake holder out of hiding, our new Goodbyn, pretty cups from Target, my colander (that had been on the counter) and a butter dish that I got at the Salvation Army for 30 cents. I love it. I had to be careful to choose things that Cash couldn't break. ;)

In Cash's room:

We are going to be installing something to hold all of his books soon, but until then I wanted him to have plenty of space for all of them & his toys. I borrowed the sorter from my craft space and quickly arranged everything--I thought it was kind of cute for each little toy to have its own cubby with a stack of books. He likes it a lot and enjoys having a space for everything to go. It has helped him be good at cleaning up and putting things where they are supposed to go!

1. Max (a gift from his auntie Ana) 2. Alphabet flash cards (from Anthropologie) 3. Where's Walrus (from Anthropologie)

I am excited to keep the trend going and have this place ready for entertaining. We love having people over. That is the main reason that we like living in our own space again--why have a nice (and big) space if you aren't going to share it with friends & family?! One day I hope to be one of those ladies that just oozes hospitality. I'm practicing now. :)

ps. Taking a break from "keep love alive" this week, but it will be back next week. In the meantime feel free to read through: week 1, week 2 & week 3.

I'm off for a girl's night with one of my oldest friends.

Just a little inspiration...

2011-08-11T22:59:00.002-05:00

Still adoring pinterest:

one. two. three.

So lovely.

Mini Style & a Winner :)

2011-08-10T10:16:00.003-05:00

Cash is on one of our favorite blogs today: Baby Blackbird!

He is featured in the "mini street style" section.

Brandy writes about kid's fashion and it is a really lovely space for inspiration & fresh ideas!

I can vouch that this really was his street style, and he picked it out himself. We were traveling through the desert on tour & I was begging him to wear a tank top & shorts. Haha!

A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to win a giveaway that Brandy had over at Baby Blackbird, it was for Tea Collection clothing. I had completely forgotten that I had entered, so it was a wonderful surprise to hear the news!

We got our package in the mail from them the other day, and Cash wasted no time trying out his new pieces...

First is the Rooster t-shirt (which is unfortunately no longer available online)

Second, the Fish Long John's (also recently unavailable online)

Last, and my absolute favorite: the Hombres Stripe Henley.

So adorable it hurts a little, right?

For all of you Momma's out there: The clothing is wonderful quality & the sizing is true to the labels (for little boys at least.) I will definitely be keeping my eye on them in the future. As a touring family on a budget, they are a little out of our price range--but for special occasions & on sale they hit the right note. I am a firm believer that kid's clothing should & can be stylish and Tea Collection hits the nail on the head with that one!

(ps. They also have little girl, baby boy, baby girl, women's & gift sections!)

**I was not asked to write this post--but after I visited their site and saw that we share an affinity for travel & also saw how precious their designs were, I really wanted to share them with you!

you're the one that I wanted to find...

2011-08-09T12:27:00.002-05:00

I love this new season of putting dates on the front burner. We've not had that for a while--it has been refreshing and lovely.

If you want to see a (bad quality) photo of my outfit, go here. I felt very pinup & retro.

To match a new season of romance, I am entering a new season creatively.

And with that comes a lot of questions.

Questions that maybe some of you would be able to answer?

I am such a newbie in the ways of online savvy.

I need a new blog/shop design in a big way! I had a friend who was going to help me with this, but he has since moved away and we never got around to it. Any tips or resources for me?

(I do not have a large budget to work with, so any "self help" tips would be great!)

How do you all do your photos on your blogs? I have been using flickr to get them the size that I want--but I'm not sure that I love using it. Is there a way to have photos the size that I want without going through another source?

Another blog question, I would love to organize my blog/posts better--another thing that I am kind of lost on. Do you find it helpful when blogs are organized by links?

What kind of online personality do I give off? I hope that I am genuine, show my reality--but also retain some of my privacy. For those of you that know me, does it match my real personality?

Last but not least, I blog mostly about what is going on in our lives...is there any content outside of that, that you would like to see? I can't promise that it will happen, but I am always interested in new thoughts & ideas.

Thank you for reading--and please help me out! ;)

It's on like donkey kong...

2011-08-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Cash has taken on year two with some gusto:

We have had some issues with eating foods that have variety (unfortunately.) I have a plan to encourage the eating of those foods, but that is for another post.

He still oozes personality & friendliness. Which are my favorite qualities about him. He likes to talk to everyone, tell stories & have a good laugh.

He is talking in full sentences a lot, having dance parties & being a good helper.

(he helped me make dinner a couple of weeks ago & did such a good job!)

He has been oh so good with adjusting through everything we have done this last year.

Moving multiple times, traveling nonstop, & not having a normal.

I am so so proud of what a good boy he is.

Cash had another big milestone this week: his first tattoo (temporary that is) ;)

I worked the tent for Nintendo 3Ds @ Warped tour in St. Louis last week & snuck him a sweet tattoo home. It has special meaning because his dad & I beat Donkey Kong Country when we were engaged. HA! (It was "our" game.) I am not a video game person at all & I married a man that is a HUGE video game lover (he has sacrificed that love a lot and rarely plays anymore.) So I thought it would be something funny for Cash to have. He sees it on his arm and says, "wook, an oooh oooh ahhh ahh!!!" & then dissolves into giggles.

Sweet tooth strikes again...

2011-08-07T12:06:00.002-05:00

I think I am going to have embrace the fact that I just really relish sweets.

(And in moderation it will be acceptable.)

Because I have been feeling quite nostalgic I decided to make a favorite Sunday breakfast that we used to indulge in at my parent's house growing up: cinnamon rolls from a can! ;)

It wasn't an everyday affair, but it was the perfect sweet treat before we headed to church on Sunday mornings. I appreciate that we are able to relive memories through different senses: sound, scent & taste are so colorful for me.

I am gleefully unpacking my precious dishes from their boxes and putting them into the cabinets--using them to dine feels unexpectedly blissful. I started to miss them after 6 months. I realized while touring that we don't necessitate much, and yet I also realized how much I adore some of our posessions.

Is a 3 tier cake stand necessary? Most definitely not--but I can't imagine parting with mine.

Other than being nostalgic for childhood memories, I have also been anticipating autumn.

I am so looking forward to the season's change. I am not wishing summer away, as it has been good to us--and albeit extreme heat we have enjoyed what is has offered.

Sweet friends, I do believe this is going to be a romantic season--

what about you?

::keep love alive::week 3::Guest post, Suzy Kraus::

2011-08-05T15:00:00.001-05:00

This week for "keep love alive" my sweet online friend Suzy is writing from over at her blog, Suzy & the Skyscrapers.

She & her husband have a lovely story. Read & be inspired, maybe even relate. :)

i'm suzy, and i've been married to barclay for almost two years. it's strange, because it feels like i've been married to him for forever but also like i just met him yesterday. it's like an eternal time warp. i'm happy about it.

t's been an interesting time for us, because about 6 months into our marriage, i got really sick. not, like, "i-lost-my-voice-for-a-couple-days" sick, or even "ugh-i've-been-on-the-couch-all-week" sick. sick like we thought we were pregnant, went to the doctor, and came home with a heart condition instead of a positive pregnancy test sick. it's been about a year and a half now, and i've been getting worse, not better.

and really, i think it's been such a beautiful thing in our relationship.

i mean, it was right there in our vows: "in sickness and in health," but to see him live those vows out in front of my face was completely fantastic. i've never felt so loved or cared for as i do now. plus, we've both had to work on our positive attitudes and servant's hearts--taking care of each other even when we each are physically and emotionally done. and you know, those are the kinds of life skills you need anyway. so. win/win.

if there's anything i've learned in all of this {and just from being married in general} it's that you can't really be happily married and selfish at the same time. even in the way you show love to your person--you have to show them love the way they understand and respond to it, not the way you'd typically want to be loved. it's mind-blowing, really. EXAMPLE {because i am a lover of examples, not just concepts}: i show barclay love by playing video games with him and listening to petra. he shows me love by taking me on walks and scrubbing the toilet. it works.

and it's good.

Thank you Suzy!

For "keep love alive" Week 1 go Here.

For "keep love alive" Week 2 go Here.

settling into a a new/old home...

2011-08-05T11:46:00.002-05:00

(from my parent's house)

We had something amazing happen about a month ago:

While we were searching for a new place to live (we had just gotten back from tour and our dear friends were letting us stay with them until we found a place) I received an email from our old landlord.

He had kept in touch with us while we were traveling and the subject line of his email read: "thinking of you guys"

As I wrote him back I thought about how much I loved that apartment, it was our first place a family and it holds so many great memories. (more here & here)

A couple emails later he told me that the apartment was currently empty and that is was ours if we wanted it. Wha?! I was pumped. Sad to leave the city, but since we would only be 20 or so minutes away it didn't bother me too much.

Now, a few weeks later we have moved in & there are boxes everywhere (ick!) it is a hectic, crazy mess.

But I love it.

It is home for us right now and I feel so lucky to be back here.

I am excited to share with you guys the 3rd week of "keep love alive" this afternoon.

Come back to check it out!

ps. We will finally have internet back at the homestead starting tonight! SO EXCITED. :)

did I mention?

2011-08-02T17:28:00.002-05:00

Have I mentioned that we are moving?

Like, right now.

Our life is in boxes and our bed is on the floor.

So that is what is going on for us at the moment---just trying to keep my sanity in this crazy midwest heat & unpack at our new/old place. (We moved back into our beloved apartment that we had before we left on tour--such an unexpected but incredible thing!)

(This is a favorite of Owen & Cash--jam session on the bed!)

We are currently without the internet, sometime between Monday & Friday it is supposed to be installed. I'm betting they don't show up until 4:45 on friday. haha. Just kidding!

Anyway, will you do me a favor?

Cash is entered to win a contest through gilt children--where he would win a wardrobe through them for a YEAR! It would be a huge help to our little family as we are on an extremely tight budget. He is currently in first place (wahoo!) But the girl in second place is edging up on him ;) You can Click HERE to vote (or you can click the little photo of him on the right sidebar) and can vote once a day! Thanks you guys, It would be a huge relief to have a built in "allowance" for Cash related purchases every month.

I might be biased...but he is probably the cutest kid in the competition. ;)

Haha.

I am SUCH a mom.

::keep love alive::week 2::Guest post, Rachel Denbow::

2011-07-29T17:20:00.003-05:00

This week for our "keep love alive" feature we have Rachel Denbow from Smile & Wave.

I'm a big fan of Rachel's blog--if you don't already read it you should go peruse and enjoy!

Enjoy reading about their date and the ways they sustain & grow their relationship.

Without further ado:

Earlier this week Brett and I spent three hours downtown doing whatever we wanted and despite a less than stellar movie choice, we had a great time reconnecting. He's been home for two weeks now after being away for four but having him home isn't the same as having him all to myself. As any mama knows, uninteruppted time together is golden. We've been married for nine years but when it's just us I feel like we're newlyweds again!

We went to dessert first at a local place known for their crepes and then walked a block to the local indie movie theater where I fell asleep halfway through a documentary. We usually love anything playing there but this one was not quite date night material. After begging Brett to leave we booked a tattoo appointment for me and then went to get dinner at a local bar & grill. It was an unusual date night but refreshing nonetheless.

Nine years in and we have lots of systems in place that work for the both of us. We generally know what to expect from each other but now we have to work hard at communicating things that may have felt easier during the early years. We have to work harder to pause in between dishes, e-mails, and errands to really look at each other. We send e-mails and texts throughout the day when we're apart to share what's going on with ourselves and the kids so that when we have time together in the evenings we can focus on each other.

Brett still regularly reminds me that he's the luckiest guy in the world to have me. He likes it when I leave him notes so I sometimes write on the mirror in lipstick or eyeliner. We also make coffee for each other depending on who wakes up first. That is a BIG deal at our house. Taking care of each other in little ways seems to go a long way for us.

I honestly feel so thankful that we're still in love after all these years with the ups and downs we've faced - both as a couple and a family. I think it's important to keep in mind that every relationship has the potential to fail and to treat it in such a way that that's unlikely.

Thank you Rachel!

For "keep love alive" Week 1 go HERE.

Also don't forget about the $5 vintage sale going on.

A little behind...

2011-07-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

The internet in our place right now is being switched over so I didn't get to post about Owen's birthday yesterday, so here it is:

Happy birthday to this guy:

The most amazing, sweetest, loving & learning husband & father out there!

We got some really beautiful news on his birthday and I am so proud of my Mr. but even more thankful for blessings that we are fortunate to receive from the Lord.

I had to work last night, but a bunch of fellows came over to grill out, have some cold ones and play wii. Earlier in the afternoon Cash and I surprised Owen with a cake from Bobby's (which if you're from the area you know is famous!) it was delicious. We will take some time to do more celebrating this weekend!

I love you babe!

Cash's 2nd birthday Party: Caps for Sale

2011-07-26T21:22:00.005-05:00

I wanted to make Cash's 2nd birthday party really special,

before I lost the baby I thought this would be his last birthday without a sibling and I wanted to focus a lot of attention on it especially because of that.

Even though that's not the case anymore, I'm glad we took the time to celebrate our growing little man!

I loved the idea I had for our photo back drop (streamers fringed,) but I realized afterwards that I should've made it a bit taller/wider---that's what happens when your husband is 6'5!

My mother made the base of the cake & the actual cake and I made the toppers (with some help on the tulips and small tree from willing friends that were helping me not go crazy) :)

I only went with two monkeys, but do you see the resemblance from Caps for Sale?

Everyone in my family was a HUGE help--but my dad was truly a hero. He got the yard ready and set up the tent, helped grill the food and did the bubble pool! Did I mention in the St. Louis area we have been under extreme heat warnings?! It was HOT!

Cash with his sweet friend Cannan on the left & with his cousin (more like a sister) Emory on the right.

Our boy and girl goody bags along with the book that inspired the whole day :)

Cash with his cousins (minus baby Oliver,) his aunt Elise and uncle Joel.

Getting ready to sing happy birthday and blow the candles out!

Eating his cake with a fork! Still making a bit of a mess. ;)

I picked chocolate & strawberry for the flavors--they looked absolutely lovely together. Which isn't the point, I know--but It made me happy! (fyi--it also tasted delicious!)

Getting kisses from his aunt KiKi!

We asked for people to bring books if they wanted to bring a present--and books we received! I'm really excited because Cash LOVES to read. We are going to have so much fun!

Last but not least Cash with his Nana & Papa on the left (my parents) and with Grandma & Grandpa on the right (Owen's parents.)

There you have it! A little look into the day :)

Please pay no mind to how I look, I got a little heat sickness--jumped into a cool shower, did absolutely nothing to myself and ran outside because guests were arriving at the party. HA!

In a completely different post I will talk to you about my friend Danielle who was a life saver that day and who is a huge blessing and AMAZING friend to me all the time! She and Cash are buddies too.

$5 sale!

2011-07-26T11:37:00.007-05:00

We are moving, and this is the last straw--I HAVE to get rid of these last vintage pieces.

SO. $5 sale.

Seriously.

Shipping is a flat rate of $5 as well.

If you would like a piece email me at jillianpye@gmail.com to make sure the item is still available (although I will keep this post updated as items sell) after you receive confirmation that the item is yours--You can paypal me your total and I will ship out your item (s) right away. Click "here" under every photo to see the item larger.

~~sands of time dress M here~~

SOLD

limeade skirt xs/s here

like a lady skirt M here

~~southwest chevron long sleeved top S here~~

SOLD

pretty pretty princess dress xs/s here

ruffle top S here

let's get physical top s/m here

show time top s/m here

Nude pumps 6 1/2 here

yellow pumps 6 here

PS. Today I am guest blogging over at Monkey & the Bug. Please go check it out and leave me some love. The post is about traveling with little ones.

PPS. Seriously--take these vintage goodies off my hands!

another family photo...or two, maybe three?

2011-07-25T08:53:00.003-05:00

How about four.

Once again, Adam & Eve Photography (the link works this time) ;)

I think the first one I posted is still my favorite.

2nd Birthday peek & filing...

2011-07-24T12:42:00.003-05:00

My sister caught this moment on her husband's iphone:

I thought it was the perfect peek into our day.

(I promise there is ALOT more coming your way, I just don't have it in me to upload, edit, etc. at the moment.)

Today I am going through all of our old papers/files (YUCK) and shredding/refiling so that we aren't as weighed down (YEAH!) with extra stuff we don't need.

I am also trying to educate myself on keeping records, doing your own taxes, etc.

Any tips? I am preparing already for next year already because we will have a bunch of junk to deal with concerning the four months that we spent touring this year...

I want to find the EASIEST way possible to do it.

Doesn't that sound great? ;)

::keep love alive::week 1::day date::

2011-07-22T13:15:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the first week of "keep love alive."

Last week Owen and I went on a day date. Boy did we need it. I don't think we had been out on a date (just the two of us) in a month and a half (?) We had lunch with Owen's parents and then left Cash with them to nap & play. First on the agenda? A movie at the LORY theater in Owen's home town. It is teeny tiny and has count em': 2 screens.

I am a big fan of going to the movies. There is something about the whole experience of physically going and watching a film on that big screen that gives me the tingles. I get sucked into the story and enjoy myself even if the movie isn't my favorite. It was nice to have nothing to focus on other than holding my sweet husband's hand. It was stinking hot, but husband indulged me in taking some photos. After the movie we went to our favorite diner in town and split a milk shake and fries. It was exactly what we needed to recharge our day.

Owen and I struggle with our communication. And unfortuanately it can wreak havoc in lots of areas of our relationship--communication is a HUGE piece of the puzzle. Instead of telling him directly what I need or want from him, I drop lots of hints and try to go the subtle route: it doesn't work. And on his end, he has a hard time communicating his feelings at all. It is a big mountain for us and we are slowly learning ways to climb to the top and conquer it!

Some simple ways that we communicate our love are things like, head rubs (for him) & foot rubs (for me,) watching Cash and letting the other one have some coveted "alone" time and lastly: speaking encouraging words to one another especially through stressful & busy times.

Something I think is important is to not let small problems seep into your relationship unnoticed, because slowly over time they will turn into BIG problems. I am obsessed with us not staying mad at each other and being sure to address problems soon after they occur.

Do you struggle with communication?

I am excited about this web site which talks about the different love languages that we have.

I look forward to finding out what our love languages are now that we are a few years into marriage.

Check back next friday for a special guest post! :)

Guess who's two?!

2011-07-22T06:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Cash Lincoln Pye!

We are so proud of what a mischievous & astute fellow you are.

How did you walk out of the womb so stinking cool?!

We will never forget the moment that you came into our lives.

We were the two people with massive goofy grins on our faces.

You teach us how to be better.

We love you like mad crazy.

love,

mama & daddy

Ps. If you would like to give Cash a little present on his birthday, you could go HERE and vote for him to win free clothes/gear from gilt children.

Also, if you need an invitation to gilt click HERE.

Cash's perfect meal...

2011-07-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

Kids are picky eaters.

That's just the way it is.

Even if it doesn't last forever,

little people go through stages where they suddenly hate something that they used to beg you for.

WEIRD!

Right now this is what a perfect meal in Cash's eyes looks like:

Tuna salad (with eggs and cheese) on crackers, fruit salad & carrots. He also had a nice tall sippy of ice water.

I am still working on a way for him to start loving broccoli.

I will succeed! ;)

What is your little one's perfect meal right now?

On the Eve of his birthday...

2011-07-21T07:23:00.000-05:00

I want to share with you some illustrations by my awesome friend Amy.

We had them done for Cash's 2nd birthday and are going to make them into a little book:

So exciting.

I love love love them.

Family Photos, sneak peek

2011-07-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

By Adam & Eve Photography in Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, MO

City Garden St. Louis

2011-07-19T23:04:00.002-05:00

On monday Cash and I met up with our friends Celeste & Cannan.

We love them.

They are moving to Florida in a week and a half and I refuse to think about it.

The only time I think about it, is when I think about how we are going to visit them and hang out on the beach! ;)

Anyway, we met them at an awesome spot tucked into the heart of downtown called City Garden.

It is free to the public and considered a city park of St Louis.

There is water shooting up all over the place and fountains for the little ones to swim in.

They have life guards on duty, the water is chlorinated, there is art all over the place and also a cafe to stop in and get a treat.

It is an incredible spot and we had so much fun!

We brought snacks to eat and set up our towels in the shade.

I can not express what a wonderful friend that Celeste has been to me.

I am going to miss her terribly.

She is an amazing wife, mother and friend.

She keeps all of the plates spinning, and doesn't have a problem being real and honest.

(Don't leave me!)

I will miss having another gal around who is so like minded and leads such a similar life.

She has shown me what it looks like to give of yourself to take care of your family.

She is strong, brave, and so smart.

(I will miss you!)

And Cash will miss Cannan too.

(Okay, so maybe I am thinking about it--and crying a little.)

ladylike grandpa

2011-07-18T08:40:00.004-05:00

That's how I felt yesterday.

A ladylike grandpa.

I was wearing a pretty ruffled dress that I wore three years ago for our rehearsal dinner (it was still wrapped in plastic--what was I thinking not getting it out again?!) I paired it with one of husband's grandpa cardigan's from banana republic, my tennies from UO and cinched it with a vintage belt.

(Thank you to my sweet husband for taking these photos)

I braided my hair back on the sides. I am currently in the process of growing my bangs out and also no longer coloring my hair dark--I have about 8 months without anything touching my roots. hooray!

I want to have a low maintenance look,

I like to think I would look the same if I was trapped on a deserted island for a few years. haha.

I wouldn't want to be the one with the crazy roots, unrecognizable because of no makeup, and terrifying people with my non-blowout.

Don't get me wrong: I am a BIG fan of being well groomed.

There is nothing like having perfectly threaded eyebrows, your nails clean & shiny, fresh skin & soft waves of hair cascading over you shoulders.

We had a lovely sunday of banana pancakes as a family and lunch with sweet friends, then off to church for some time of community and fellowship. It was wonderful. We were back with the kiddos volunteering so that other parents get a chance to listen to the sermon uninterrupted. I love all the little ones that we have.

Saturday night I helped my friend Kim with an awesome project that she has been planning for her living room:

(photo by Josh)

She collected these frames and then spray painted them all white, arranged them, and I came in to help her hang them. It pays to be 5'10 sometimes. ;)

Doesn't it look awesome?!

we're gonna melt into the sidewalk...

2011-07-16T21:34:00.002-05:00

St. Louis is HOT. Not only is it hot, it is also extremely humid.

yuck!

We remedied the yuck by heading over to Aunt Elise's house and visiting Cash's cousins: Leland, Emory & Oliver.

(hugging a duck)

(They are all so sweet together. I love how Cash's head is so much bigger than their heads are. haha)

(My favorite picture of Mr. Oliver. What a sweet little gentleman.)

(He's like, "Aunt Jill--you're a little crazy...you know that right?"

(Little lover bugs enjoying their time in the sun.)

I love that even though Cash and Elise's kids all have BIG personalities--they still play so well together. They are working on patience with each other and they love on each other so sweetly. And when they are stinkers they always make up and give hugs and kisses.

Sometimes I wish all I had to think about was putting on a swimming suit and frolicking in a pool. ;)

Coming Soon...

2011-07-15T13:30:00.001-05:00

I am about to start my first weekly feature, and it is called:

It will be a series of posts, some from me & some from guest bloggers about ways to keep your relationship going strong. Sometimes it is hard to admit that things aren't "perfect" or at the very least "fine" and I am excited to encourage others to get their hands dirty and really put effort & time into their love.

Owen and I have only been married for 3* short years (*on August 16th) and there have been so many different seasons of our relationship in that small amount of time. I am in awe of couples that have worked hard at marriages for 30+ years. How amazing, honorable & inspiring?!

I am so looking forward to this little "love" project! :)

coping mechansims

2011-07-14T16:10:00.002-05:00

::Thank you all for your kind words, comfort and support.

We are so lucky to have wonderful friends and family to depend on through this hard time.

I will be spending the next few days trying to respond to every call/text/comment/email

I love you all::

I have a problem with making sugary comfort foods.

Which is probably just as bad or worse as making buttery/salty comfort foods.

I really need to stop eating like this or I am going to weigh 300 pounds.

It looks so yummy though, right? It is. Right up there with chocolate crepes.

Cash is loving and "benefiting" from my desire for comfort foods.

He calls pancakes "cake." He doesn't normally get to eat many sweets...but we had an exception with the powdered sugar & whip cream on our "cake." (*he didn't even get to see the actual cake from the other night!)

Today we got back to normal with our healthy fruits & veggies! Never fear :)

knowing pain...knowing love

2011-07-13T20:21:00.005-05:00

It is okay to be empty.

It means that you are giving, maybe some things are being taken.

You are weathering the storm and you are not gone, just emptied.

I was 6 weeks 4 days pregnant with our second baby on Sunday morning.

It was a precious little secret of ours.

I was giddy with delight over the past couple of weeks thinking about that sweet soul--

that tiny being that I was growing.

By Sunday night I was wrapped in a hospital gown, staring at my feet.

A life had been snuffed out.

I was overwhelmed with a million feelings and also the feeling of nothing--

I was bleeding and empty.

I still hurt.

I doubt that will change.

I have a hard time being thankful for this experience,

and I still feel gnawing from the empty space.

Sometimes there just aren't answers on this earth.

But I am here, and I am willing.

And I know that God is sufficient.

His love can fill me to overflowing.

sometimes you just "need" cake

2011-07-12T08:45:00.003-05:00

One of my biggest comfort foods is chocolate cake.

So I made it for dessert last night.

YUM.

It was delicious (if I do say so myself.)

But it was also disappointing.

Because I found out something that I (deep down) already knew.

No amount of chocolate cake (or ice cream, cleaning out the car, etc) can heal what is broken.

God has a plan for this, for me and today I want to seek comfort in Him instead of everything else that I have been trying to. It is much easier to say the right things, rather than do them.

outfit post

2011-07-11T22:18:00.002-05:00

This wasn't a good day for me.

But my outfit photos were taken already, and I really liked my outfit so I figured I might as well share it.

We went to lunch at my parent's house, and that place instantly makes me feel at home.

(as it should)

How do you feel about a few odd duck pieces together at once?

I really liked how the lace, leopard & chain went together.

I felt a bit tough, yet classic & cool.

And my whole outfit was only about $30...which just makes me oh so happy!

I'm getting my fashion groove back.

Right now...

2011-07-11T10:59:00.003-05:00

I am dealing with some things that I am not quite ready to talk about,

so to keep my mind off of other things: I will share something beautiful and inspiring.

Sometimes I like to keep blogs that are true gems to myself.

But then I thought about how much I would want to know about this blog (if I didn't already) and how much I would want other people to talk about my blog (if they really loved it) and it was settled.

I must share.

Meet Angela Hardison.

She's cute as a button, right?

All of her photos are amazing and have scads of natural light oozing into them.

Just lovely.

Sometimes she blogs about her efforts of eating 50% raw.

And how she makes the images of the food look like art makes my heart happy.

She writes a lot about her family, and recently started designing tshirts for family reunions and such:

They are all gorgeous, of course & will make you WANT to wear matching tshirts with your great uncle bob.

Also, she is a stationary designer/paper artist for SeeSaw designs.

Precious birth announcements for her niece.

What are you waiting for? Go add her to your blog roll. And drool.

honesty

2011-07-07T14:45:00.004-05:00

Today I cried. Big fat tears.

The first time that I have cried in front of Cash and I couldn't stop or hide it.

He came over to me, grabbed my face in his hands and said,

"Mom, okay?"

and cocked his sweet little head to the side.

He then started to wipe the tears as they rolled down my "chheeks, chheeks!"

Little kisses adorning my face, my head and my shoulder.

Sometimes the worst feeling ever leads you to the greatest.

My sweet sweet comforter.