Give me the simple life...

Source

A little getaway vacation where the mountians meet the lake. Little sweet cabins, fun boats, and wild huckleberry galore! You can find us in Idaho....laying in the sun and enjoying the simple life. Be back soon!

What a weekend!

I will post some photos when I can, but we truly had the best weekend which included so many fun memories:

- Our friends Sean and Emily coming to visit
- A delicious dinner out Friday night at Fillipi's in Little Italy
- 4th of July morning walk to Peet's and breakfast
- An adventure to Pat's Corner which included 4 cute vases for $2.00 and gold and yellow vintage frames for Em
- All day at the private beach near our house which meant we didn't have to deal with crowds
- A real adventure into the old caves off sunset cliffs
- Our little bents swimming at the beach - still not 100% liking it, but he will soon enough :)
- A wonderful BBQ feast and with our very own flag cake
- the best fireworks show and view in the world
- Playing cards
- Church and Acai bowls
- Another 3 hour day in OB
- Shopping with the hub and the movie Up to wrap up the wonderful weekend!


Looking forward to leaving for a longer vacation this week. Idaho here we come!

:: happy fourth ::

The weekend is coming early today. {Thank goodness} So I wish all my blog reader friends a very joyous 4th of july full of many fireworks, friends, a few hot dogs and time in the sand. And I'll be doing the same. Minus the several hot dogs part or I'll be missing out on my time in the sand. :)

oh em geee

wow. TOTALLY loving this. rarely do i see something that is just as draw dropping cute as this. Maybe I can add this to the summer project list?

seen here

a few random thoughts.

we're leaving for Idaho in a week from today. after seeing the movie, The Proposal, I even more so crave the simplicity of life in which a lake town seems to bring. warm summer nights, cabins, boating, huckleberries, no Internet, and i may just may turn the cell off. Helloooo Idaho! Here we come!

i love parties. i love to host parties at our home. i even decided that Wednesday, middle of the work week would be the ideal day to have one. so, we welcome summer, bbqing, early 4th of July, trav's birthday extravaganza.




i've been on a new cream of wheat kick lately. it hasn't happened since my senior year of college and then whack! it has struck again and I can't get enough. The instant packs make a great breakfast in front of the computer at work.



lastly, i'm just so thankful. thankful for my husband, thankful for our awesome jobs, thankful the Lord is good, full of grace and will always provide. we are surrounded by amazing family and friends, and when it all comes down -this really, all you need. No picture is necessary. 'thankful' includes everything. :)

my birthday boy.

My birthday boy turns the big 2-5 today! Finally he is caught up with his wifey! :) I could not be a more proud of him today. He is wonderful, sweet and loving in every way. He is a hard worker, amazing provider and strives to be his best in every area of his life whether that be work, surfing, a husband or a friend. I am thankful for this sweet, precious life today. 25 years ago he came into the world just as determined as he is now, and I'm thankful for the loving parents who have raised him along the way. I certainly could not have done a better job. The Lord is good and full of blessing from Trav. He's been the best friend I could have ever imagined.

His first birthday to celebrate being married! It's been so very much fun planning things just for him, while being married. It just adds such a new, fun element to celebrating special occasions. This morning I was able to wake up early, decorate the house and hang lots of balloons everywhere. I set out all of his gifts from me and the sweet cards sent my so many family members. I prepared a big breakfast, made his favorite coffee, and let him sleep until he wanted to. I'm so happy to have someone to pass along fun surprises to!

I was thinking back to my childhood days and remembering my family birthday traditions - out to breakfast with mom or dad, lots of special decorations, the brick near the fireplace full of presents, choosing whatever we wanted for dinner {which most years was homemade mac n cheese or hot dog roll ups, naturally}, and of course a big birthday party with all of my friends.

Our first year being a new family, we're creating our own traditions and fun. Nothing can make me happier!

Happy 25th Birthday Sweetie. I just love you to bunches.

Little Lia.

Happy Birthday Lia. I never thought I'd love you like I do now. Let me preface that... when I was six, and you entered the world, you were the last little baby I wanted to see. There were too many of us, and my friends always wanted to hold you and play with you, which made me jealous. But NOW, I'm so thankful you're the last of us 4 girls. Your humor, fun and love you give others is contagious. I am *so* proud of who you are. You are one of my best friends, and such a special sister. I am SO blessed to have you so close to us, and am excited to see you grow in your next year. We love you so much and are so thankful for you! Love you Li(s)a!

Love, Your {big} sissy.

craving.

source

Craving a summer backyard BBQ party with an incredible set up such as this. Accompanied with a fruity drink, fresh veggies, and a homemade cobbler, what more can you ask for?! Happy Friday!!

summer.has.arrived.

found here, originally here

Summer has officially began in our little world. june gloom *seems* to be on it's way out. we've packed away the space heater and have traded our duvet for a much lighter quilt. plums are sprouting, summer veggies and fruit are plentiful, the beach is warm and we've added a new BBQ to the homestead. summer is full swing and I couldn't be happier.

So we just got an amazing new BBQ from our very sweet aunt and uncle on Sunday. Basically a brand new Weber, similar, to the one seen here, but in a cute - forest green color, and a tad more hip. So, like the excited couple that we are, we decided to try it out last night! After a few tips from the fam, and a little advice from a recent Martha Stewart issue, my sweet husband gave it a go! I had marinated that chicken for a few hours and couldn't wait! I prepared the rest of the meal and we waited....and waited....and waited....ate the potatoes and artichoke and waited. TWO HOURS later, the chicken was done, it was 9pm, and I was OVER the dinner.

All that to say, happy summer, and you know what we'll be trying to master this season - THAT BBQ! :)

dad.

My wedding day, the moment before the walk down the aisle. How handsome is he!? Please excuse my arm......weird?

My dad is the absolute best. And I know he'll read this so I'll make it a good one.
{i apologize for being a little late on my tribute to you pops, but i was busy packing for our trip north to visit you.}

There is nothing like a Father's love. although I'm married now, and have a deep new love than I've ever had, i still can appreciate the way my father not only loves me, but all his girls. he is firm, yet gentle, full of wisdom and counsel beyond belief. he guides and encourages to always be our best. there are times these days in which I've cried and cried, just missing that daily love of my father. A few months ago i gave him a ring one Sunday evening, just hoping he would answer, and couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I just missed him. He was such a loving and wonderful Godly example to me through all my formative years, and sometimes, I'd hate to say it, but I get most of my genes from him....my type-a, cleanliness freak, calf muscles and all type of genes. I must say, they're some pretty great genes. He still certainly is one of my biggest fans, and never lacks the ability to say just how proud he is of me.

Dad, i love and appreciate you more than you will ever know. You're the best father and I'm so lucky Jesus gave me YOU. Thank you will never be enough, but hopefully the lives we live will be there to prove so.

Carter&Cook loves pigeons!

source

pigeons, a darling couple, and mating for life!
Read more here on the Carter & Cook Event Co. blog.

happy birthday: miss lauren.

Pictures from her birthday last year and summer 2008.

Today is Lauren's birthday! I told you it was birthday central around here didn't I??
I know I could write a book on Lauren and what she means to me. She has been one of my oldest friends since starting college, and I'm pretty sure we're in it until the end. Meeting at the young age of 18, reminds me of the most wonderful last 8 years we've shared our friendship. It has only grown and blossomed over time, and I sit here today, over joyed and incredibly thankful for her, and her friendship.


She is a new mom to one of the most precious little girls, a loyal and loving wife, an encouraging friend and mentor to many, and my best friend. I pray this year is a blessing to you Lauren as you experience the adventure the Lord has set before you!

happy birthday to one sweet mom!

It's definitely birthday central around here. Today is my dear friend Liz's birthday. I think today should be quite the celebration for her. Not only is she turning 26, but she has two beautiful girls, runes one great household, takes care of her sweet husband and is one of the most creative friends i have!

So happy birthday liz. here's to you, your sweet growing family, and Tandu Too - your very successful line of fun baby clothes, and accessories. Visit her online etsy store here. Not to mention, she made Bentley his very own personalized ad-orable leash. It's too cute!

in.love.

I just about [died] when I saw this gorgeous bouquet here! How magnificently, beautiful and stunning, yet so soft and simple. what incredible peach peonies...

baby boy

all grown up. he's getting cuter by the day.