As cliche as it sounds, I swear that I will never judge other mothers again. (Glancing upward watching for lightning to strike) But seriously, I really wish that I never will again.
Everyday I am proved wrong about my former perceptions of the life of a stay-at-home, work-from-home, insert-your-situation-here mom. Gone are my assumptions of "all the time in the world" to craft, read, cook, clean, budget, serve, etc. I feel accomplished to just shower, work a few hours, have the bed made and grilled cheese 'n ham sandwiches on the table by 7 when Cole comes home. :0
With that in mind, I decided to celebrate a few projects that I am especially excited to have done. Because in my world, they are my recent, simple pleasures.
Finishing the quilt for Stratton James Depew.
My sister welcomed her first baby to the world two weeks ago, and this quilt was finished and in mail just after his arrival. I average about one quilt project a year (usually prompted by a birth) and this was my second of the year. I love putting my heart and a few pricked fingers into a gift that will be used by the person I love. Since Stratton is so far away, I like thinking that he will wrapped up in my love before he even meets me. Cheesy, yes. True, double yes.
Filling the blank void above Crew's changing table.
I have pined for this wall hanging since three weeks before Crew was born.
Since they never went on sale, I finally had to face the fact that I needed to fill the void with something else.
My favorite photo from Crew's newborn session was a no brainer but big, inexpensive art can be hard to come by. I snatch up the rainbow/family print while at a baby blessing in Utah county. I went out in the hall and found a table of art work the church library was giving away. Cole was mortified that I took it, but why not, right?
The ABC's were actually a puzzle we found on sale while at the Pottery Barn outlet last month. I love the colors and there is no way I could have found a 24x36 piece of art for that price!
The Patio is Finally Poured.
Yes, we prepped the ground for the patio back in September. Yes, my husband was pouring concrete while snowing was swirling around him. Yes, I will be enjoying a mug of hot chocolate on this concrete slab in exactly one week (once it is cured). (Squeal!)
Hurray for the little things!
We were able to sneak away for a long weekend to visit our favorite people in Colorado Springs--Jarad and Ashley!It had been a few months since we saw them last so when a cheap flight deal landed on the weekend of a Utah vs. Air Force game, there was no turning back.After flying into Denver and driving down to the Springs, we decided to check out the Western Omelette. A local burrito joint, made famous by it incredibly hot green chili sauce. The restaurant's motto is "Can you take the heat?," and boy, did we try. Cole was brave and tried the hot sauce. The rest of us agreed the mild had more than enough zing and flavor for our taste buds.
That night Ashley's brother and sister-in-law were gracious enough to watch the bambino for us while we rooted on the Utes to a close victory over Air Force. Our camera was left in the car so maybe a few of Ashley's photos will make their way on here later?Sunday afternoon we made our way over to the Garden of the Gods. Wow, what a cool place to walk, jog, climb and bike.
Cole loves to perch our son in random places that look dangerous and then send pics to Grandma Lansford to make her freak out. We were also able to snag a few fun family pics.
A too-chilly-for-Crew Monday morning canceled a short hike that we had planned but all was made right when Jarad's boss surprised us and sent him home with the day off. With an entire day to play, we headed to Denver.I had never been to the Denver Temple so we took a few minutes to stroll around the grounds and snap pics.
Although none of us are overly fish-loving people, we decided to check out the Denver Aquarium for the lil man. Two and a half hours later, we left still talking about the many cool, disgusting and amazing creatures inside.
As you can see, the visit to see the fish was a big hit with both my guys.
On our way out we ate an early dinner at Beau Joes. Winner, Winner, Pizza dinner! This place had the freshest toppings and to-die-for whole wheat crust. The crust is so yummy and thick, in fact, that they bring out honey for you eat with the crust separately. At this point in the day, I was lazy and didn't take any pics, but another great place to eat if you are ever in Colorado. With full bellies and a tired lil boy it was time to head back to the airport. Thanks for such a fun weekend guys!
