Resemblance

Secretly, I like it when people say he looks like me. However, I have to admit that I think Josiah looks alot like his daddy. After perusing a few photographs, I have concluded that I think that he looks like Ryan when he's serious...

...and like me when he's laughing and smiling.

It's hard to ignore the fact that I had a lot more hair and was darker, but I think we may still share a few traits. One thing I identify with is when Josiah is super excited and happy, he flails his hands and feet in the air, closes his eyes, smiles with a big open mouth and looks like he can't contain his excitement in his body. He does this everyday at 6:00 when he first sees Ryan walk in the door after work. As for me, when I get super excited and happy, I feel like doing the same thing almost every time. You can imagine it looks a little less cute when a pregnant, 29 year old is convulsing with happiness, so I've learned to tone it down, but I still see myself in the little man every time.

What Josiah was doing while I was writing this blog.

Uninspired.

First, a confession. I should be doing a million other things right now. However, I'm tired and I am going to sit here because, right now, at this moment, I can. That brings me to my second point. I need help (yes, I know what my close friends are thinking ...). Interior decorating has never been my strong suit. Design, fashion, you name it- I am rarely surprised by my own ability to produce aesthetically pleasing creations. Decorations I get compliments on are usually ideas that I have shamelessly swiped from other sources. Outfits that people notice on me are ones that I copied right off the manikan or ones that my sisters picked out for me.

So here's my dilemma. I was inspired by this Country Living "Closet-Office" picture, and I decided to convert our living room closet into a little office space.

Here's our living room closet before.

Here's our living room office, after!

...and here's where you come in. Do you see the space on the wall where I have the picture frame leaning? It needs to be decorated and I am asking for your help. I want some color, (I like reds or yellows), and I am looking for some kind of rustic, vintage, or mountainy idea. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And hey, if I choose your design...maybe I'll send you a reward! (...or at least I will think about it and feel guilty for not doing it as I sit and rest...)

Good Idea...Bad Idea

Good Idea

Playing Peek-a-Boo with a blanket.

Bad Idea

Playing Peek-a-Boo with a bib.

"...Glad with the joy of Your presence."

A quick Monday Morning post to express the joy I have with what God is growing in our lives and to say again, thank you to Ryan who works hard for us in so many ways. The Lord is truly blessing our home with increased life and love, and His presence is what completes and fills it all. This is another real-time post, pictures just taken for you Ryan, Josiah is still napping. I wanted to tell you again how thankful I am for you and to show you just a few of the things you are growing here at home this Monday Morning.

"Surely You have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of Your presence." Psalm 21:6

A sampling of our garden's harvest and a few of my canning endeavors. Blackberry Jam, Spiced Peach Jam, Low-Sugar Apricot Jam, and Canned Peaches. Plus, there's more of everything on the way!

The new baby needs a spotlight every once in a while...Here's my tummy taken just now at about 7.5 months along.

Sweet baby! He ate a ton for breakfast then sat in the garden and chowed on fresh tomatoes while I harvested and tended the garden. He may have a bit of green bean in his mouth still...Don't worry, he'll get a new shirt before we head down to have dinner with Grandma and Grandpa.

Megan's Wedding Part 2- The Main Event

I can't even begin to describe how lucky and blessed I feel to have these friends. From the left they are Kristin, Jessica, Megan (bride), Me, and Shelly. Kristin, Jessica, Megan and I have been friends since 6th grade-junior high, and Shelly joined us in college. I feel like our friendship is such a rare gift. We are like family. Some of us have kids, some don't, some are married and some aren't. We have always remained close regardless. Our friendships have spanned various life stages and grown deeper throughout the process. We have fought, cried, laughed so much, gotten in trouble (...in high school, I'm pretty sure we're less scandalous nowadays!), worked through issues, prayed together, and for each other, and counseled one another.

Megan is such a beautiful person and we were all so excited to see her marry Nathan. He is a great guy and I'm excited to welcome him into our lives. Congratulations Megan, I love you!!!

The Bachlorette Party- a day at a spa and night at the corresponding inn. So relaxing!

Brunch the next morning before our mani-pedi's...Wow, I've been so spoiled this summer!

The rehearsal dinner with my Man.

The Head Table- notice all Megan's pretty decorations. She planned the wedding in her backyard. It was beautiful and whimsical, complete with little bow ties for their chickens!

Taking a breather from some crazy dancing. Ryan was the MC and DJ for the entire wedding! Good job husband!

Me and my daddy.

My mom, dad, and sister all took care of Josiah since Ryan and I were pretty preoccupied throughout the night. Thank you, you three!

Our little ones will have no lack of people loving on them as they grow up!

Megan's Wedding Part 1

Although Megan was the star of the show, the joy of meeting Elizabeth Pilchak for the first time made it a tie. Kristin has been a dear friend of mine since 6th grade. We were in each other's weddings, have been through ups and downs, and now are mommies at the same time! Kristin and Nick are already great parents and I love their little Elizabeth.

Look at that face! So cute! - Sorry Nick, your head is chopped off!

Josiah and I left San Luis about a week early to spend some time with Andrea and to meet up with friends who had congregated in San Diego for the wedding.

By far, my best quality time was spent with Andrea. I am getting to know my sister now as a new wife as well as a friend, and I love her so much! Thank you Andrea for making time for us! xoxox

How could I not add this little mug shot!? Jessica took this picture of the little man as we were all hanging out on the beach. Of course, I can't post this without thanking my amazing husband Ryan, who was working while I got to go off galavanting around in San Diego. He joined me later in the week.

So Cool...