October's Guests

With all of October's beautiful weather came beloved friends and family from Alabama. My parents came for 5 whole days! And the next weekend my friend Lydia of 16 years flew in for a short, but delightful weekend.

At the historic Hill House

I love them so much!

Mom and Dad were able to come to our ultrasound appointment!

My Bud at the Walker Art Museum

I miss her!

So thankful for all of our guests. I felt so loved!!!

Ina Garten's Mac & Cheese

In an earlier post I talked about new beginnings. Well, here's another first for me: homemade macaroni & cheese! To be honest, it's truly another first to break out the pots and pans and cook dinner at least a few times a week. Brian's the one who has "broken in" all of our lovely red calphalon cookware. There was something enticing about the ceramic baking dish and rich, creamy, old fashioned mac & cheese that I couldn't resist! And with some lingering second trimester nausea and food aversions, I have to eat whatever sounds good at the moment!

I enjoy Ina Garten's show on the foodnetwork and found her recipe here. I first heard of her in early issues of Victoria magazine. They interviewed inspirational women entrepeneurs and her shop Barefoot Contessa was featured. Ina also has a lovely home.Back to the mac & cheese, it surprisingly came out delicious even though made by yours truly!

Fall Music

Sitting at my desk today sending out resumes. All my paperwork for my Minnesota physical therapist license finally went through! With a new area code, new drivers license, new tags, and now my MN PT license I am an official resident of the great state of Minnesota. Don't worry my Southern friends, I still say y'all. So, if you hear of anyone who is looking to hire a prn physical therapist in the western Minneapolis suburbs let me know!

On another note, I just bought Brooke Fraser's new album Flags. Have you heard it? It is my favorite fall album, besides of course my sister Abby's new EP which is amazing! But since she doesn't have a video or an itunes link (yet!), thought I'd mention Brooke. She is an amazing songwriter and worship leader. Some of my favorite worship songs by her include: "You'll Come," "Lord of Lords," and "Hosanna"- all recorded with Hillsong. (Click on the song titles for song/video). This new album is her newest mainstream album. Isn't this video fun?

Autumn

"I'm ready for the cold winds to blow and make the leaves blush at their touch".......my sister Libby
My Sister wrote this line the other day and I thought it was so poetic and beautiful! I am enjoying the scenic drive around the lake with the oranges, yellows, and crimsons speckled about with God's paintbrush. Autumn here really is lovely!

Here are a few lovely quotes on the season...

~"October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter"- Nova Blair

~"Don't you just love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."
-You've Got Mail

~"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face" - John Donne

~"October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band."
-George Cooper


Above is a vintage metal tulip chair that I picked up at an antique store around 3 years ago and finally got around to painting. I still need to spray the glossy top coat on it, but I think it looks bright and fresh. I love it with the orange mums!!

Off to an outdoor movie and bonfire at the church tonight. Hopefully someone is bringing the hot apple cider!

Nursery Musings.....

"This Fox is a tricky fox. He'll try to get your tongue in trouble"......excerpt from Dr. Seuss' tongue twister of a book Fox in Socks.

So I have been browsing different blogs, websites, magazines, etc looking at nursery ideas. While I saw lots of rooms that were both cute and creative, I wasn't finding much that really stood out. Especially ones that were gender neutral (we are waiting to be surprised!) Really like a vintage, modern, eclectic look. I like color, but don't want to be overwhelmed with neon green or crossing-guard orange. Last week I came across this "design trend" on Apartmenttherapy.com. I especially love the little fox pillow.... the colors are perfect! I thought the red fox fabric would be really cute as an accent. Check out the article and sources here.

Oh, and I found this on etsy:

Wouldn't this be adorable with other handmade woodland animals thrown in the mix? I have seen some adorable owls, squirrels, and raccoons made in similar styles on etsy. And I have a pattern for a bird and branch mobile as shown below.

What do you think? Do you like it?

New Beginnings

beginning: noun/ start of an event or action, alpha, basis, birth, blastoff, creation, dawn, dawning, day one, genesis, inauguration, inception, induction, infancy, initiation, installation, introduction, kickoff, onset, opener, opening, origin, origination, outset, point of departure, preface, prelude, presentation, rise, root, rudiment, source, spring,square one, starting point, takeoff, threshold.

It's a season of new beginnings for us! Nearly 2 months ago we said goodbye to dear friends and family in Alabama, loaded up the Penske truck, and headed to Minnesota. Among those things new: new church, new city, new condo, new friends, new job, anda new baby on the way!! With all this change, I thought it fitting to begin fresh with my blog. I am going to do my best to keep all those far away updated on our lives. We are excited for this new season and the journey the Lord is taking us on!

Here are a few photos from a local apple orchard, fall on Lake Minnetonka, and a twins game with Hannah and Josh......

Enjoy the fall weather!! More to come!

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy! Psalms 126:3

Brian and I just celebrated 2 wonderful years of marriage on January 5th. As I reflect on the past two years, I can honestly say that I am married to my best friend. I am more in love with him today than on our wedding day! Marriage is wonderful!!