Our Traditional Home

St. Patty's Day Update

2011-03-17T10:29:00.001-05:00

I've had several comments made to me in the past week from friends that they really miss my blog posts...so after a 4 month hiatus, here I am. :)

Not a whole lot has changed since my last post in December except that The Organic Bloom has continued to grow like crazy. We now have 11 full time employees and a couple part timers, so the good news is that I'm getting a bit more sleep these days than I did November-January. Don't get me wrong, we are still juggling a lot from day to day, but we're getting things figured out and running a bit smoother now. We just moved into a second 3,000 sq. ft. warehouse this past weekend and the added space has already been tremendously used! I convinced Jason to paint at least one of the rooms that we pack in and I've been adding my decorative touches little by little. My flea market/antique store finds are getting some good use now- all these goodies were rounded up from my home decor! That's my kind of decorating budget!

This is going to be a retroactive-picture-heavy post, but that's ok! I love photos!! Two weekends ago we delivered several really large frames to NW Arkansas where Jason is originally from. While we were over there, we met up with one of our clients from The Organic Bloom and she took our photos. So far, all I have are a few sneak peeks from Melissa at Preserved Photo, so that's all you get to see here! I am so excited to have some new photos and get some of our frames hung for ME to see on a daily basis! ha!

My next set of photos are a few from me and Rachel's recent trip to a giant photography trade show in Las Vegas. Let's just say she and I were ready to return to sweet little Tulsa, OK after our first afternoon there- that place is crazy! We met with as many clients as we could in 2.5 days time, super super fun! Meeting our customers, getting to put a face with the name, is hands down my absolute favorite part of this company!

Rach!!

[photo credit: Stephanie Bachle]

One of our photogs, Stephanie, insisted on taking a pic of my eyes...did you know Jason and I have the exact same colors eyes?

Dinner with one of our first big clients- Kenzi and gals, Jess & Amy

Breakfast with another client, Raven

My favorite display of the whole MGM hotel!

Floyd & Jessica from LemonDrop Stop Backdrops

Rach sorting through our "business cards"- 5x7 frames!!

We took an entire suitcase full of these babies!

We met with a few customers in the food court of the MGM and more customers kept coming! Everyone loved our business cards- hoping for a real booth at the show next year!

And a few more photos, cause I just have to brag just a little bit...we'll mostly, I think I'm still in shock, but we have amazing customers who send us magazine quality photos all the time and what else can I do but be proud Mama!?

[photo credit: Jordon Manis]

[photo credit: Gina Neary]

[photo credit: Toni Bouton]

[photo credit: Kelly Hosch]

[photo credit: Heather Bookout]

[photo credit: Wendy Updegraff]

[photo credit: Chesley Summar]

[photo credit: Britt Lakin]

[photo credit: Ampersand Studios]

A crazy little update!

2010-12-07T21:44:00.000-06:00

Life has just been CRAZY around here for the last 6 weeks! The Organic Bloom hasn't just blossomed over night- it has EXPLODED!!!

In 6 weeks time, we have garnered over 10,000 Facebook fans!! Pretty much everyday I ask myself if this is all real!? So if you wonder what on earth has happened to me- well, I work about 18-20 hours a day now (as does Jason). I went from working about 3 days a month to managing 6-8 people full time any given day- and we are STILL slammed with business! That just blows my mind! Needless to say though, Jason and I are living our dream!

We also have hired our lovely friend, Rachel, full time! She was the first person we hired 4 weeks ago- when we met her this summer, Jason told me "If we ever have the chance to hire her, we will!" She's been our "face" person for the time being- answering the phone and over 100 email's a day! We are so proud of her! (This photo was taken on pretty much the only day off we've had in 6 weeks- at our friend's farm in Arkansas.)

Finnigan has taken his new role as office supervisor quite seriously- he figures that somebody needs to sleep around here!

I spend my day's supervising the painting and packing end of things- and I miss my Finn! Rachel and her doxie, Walter, take good care of him all day at home though!

Gotta get back to work- just wanted to pop in and say hi!

Birthing

2010-10-27T00:58:00.006-05:00

It's been right around 3 months since our miscarriage. I'm just now beginning to feel ready to the idea of being pregnant again. So many people handle miscarriage in so many different ways. I was never terribly devastated, "couldn't handle anything or go anywhere" etc. Don't get me wrong, I was definitely sad. bummed. frustrated. But never incapacitated.

My defense mechanism: loosing all interest. I went from reading all sorts of mommy blogs, parenting magazines, etc- just devouring it to none. I didn't want to know what kinds of food you try first with your baby, or what the best cloth diapers were anymore or anything. Slowly that interest is being peaked in me again.

Another part of my defense (distraction) has been birthing a baby of another kind.

The Organic Bloom.

First we got pregnant with the idea.

Then it started growing as we tried out making our first frames

Then it got a little bigger as a few of Brenda's clients ordered our frames

Then it got even bigger as I quit doing anything frame related at home

Then it hit the 9th month (figuratively) and we hired a painter

NOW we are in labor. Our Facebook fan page has grown from 200 some fans on Friday night to nearly 2,200 fans tonight- that's in FOUR measly little days, Folks!

It's a VERY hard labor, and forget hours, this one has been days and weeks on end.

Then a BABY

The nights have been late for quite some time.

Everyone is visiting to see the new baby company.

Even meals are a bit un-predictable around here.

We're learning so much every day.

It' can't be left alone, it's 24 hours-a-day care

We're both crazy exhausted.

But ecstatic beyond words!

I know I've been sparse around here, but what can I say- newborns are beautiful and VERY time consuming. Even the non-human kind are. :)

delicious, healthy and quick!

2010-10-19T19:27:00.003-05:00

It's no secret around here that we really don't eat junk food. So how does one eat healthy and lead the crazy starting a new business life that we've been living for the past 3 months?

Just one evening a week I meal plan, we grocery shop together, and lastly I prep ALL the meals as soon as we arrive home from Whole Foods. It took me almost 3 hours just to prep all the meals for this week...but let me tell you how worth it those 3 hours were:

I came home this evening from being at the shop for almost 11 hours- opened the fridge and grabbed a few things and within 10 minutes had a delightful asian stir-fry ready that is now sitting in front of me as I type. (Jason is playing racquetball with his friends- that's why we're not eating together at the table.)

Anywho. From the fridge I grabbed:

2 eggs

2 tupperwares with chopped veggies ready for stir-fry (broccoli florets, carrots, onion, sugar snap peas, and celery)

No patience to cook real rice tonight, so I just skipped that part (I typically make this all into fried rice). I scrambled the eggs in a small skillet and steamed/stir-fried the veggies in a 2-qt. soup pot (with lid) with soy sauce, rice vinegar and my favorite- sesame seed oil. Occasionally stir the veggies while making the eggs and combine in a bowl when the veggies are somewhat tender.

There are enough veggies left I can do this another night for the both of us! Yum!! It's like going to a Japanese steakhouse, without the show and large bill at the end of the night!

FurBaby

2010-10-18T05:26:00.007-05:00

My new camera came a couple weekend ago- so I just HAVE to post a few photos this morning before I run off to do my day's tasks. I still don't have Photoshop on my screen on our Mac, and I really don't have the time to transfer stuff around via email. So any photog types- bear with me as these are just SOOC. (hehe- I've always wanted to use that term, now I can! straight out of the camera that is).

Finnigan has been good practice for me as I learn more about light and how it affects faces. Again, bear with me, I don't have any cute toddlers yet running around my house to practice on!

Hi baby! He's begging for some tuna juice here :)

Vanessa caught him licking his lips the other day!

far too bright, but he's still so cute!

I should have stepped over to the right a tad to get more light on his right eye.

Brenda- he sleeps kinda like a newborn, if only I could get his legs tucked!

FOUR

2010-10-14T01:28:00.002-05:00

Today is our FOURTH wedding anniversary!! Hopefully in the crazy busy lives we're currently living we'll get to spend some business/commitment/schedule- free time together tonight!

76 more to go, Sweetheart!!

en route

2010-10-05T21:29:00.005-05:00

Brenda and I ordered my new camera...a Canon 7d...this weekend!!! I am SO SO excited!

A fresh new chapter of my life is about to be written. A chapter that's always been waiting in the wings, anxiously asking me over and over if it was ever going to be time to appear. The opportunity has finally come, it's show time!

Inspiring:

This lady almost goes without saying around here these days- brendahoran.com - she believes in me. and us.

resolved2worship.xanga.com

kellehampton.com

ashleyannphotography.com/blog

mycharmingkids.net

acherryontopphotography.com

Happy Birthday to Meeee!

2010-09-28T14:23:00.004-05:00

First some newsy stuff...

The Organic Bloom is taking off like CRAZY!! I have been slightly overwhelmed, but I think the excitement is overpowering it!

We are tentatively planning to attend the Creative Estates Blog Conference in Chandler, AZ in April. I've been following Shey B (aka the camera strap lady) via her blog for a while. She posts lots of helpful info and tips she's picked up in taking her small creative endeavor to a well known online company. After attending the BlogHer Conference in NYC in August, she realized there was a need for a blog conference relating to handmade businesses vs. just mommy blogging. There's definitely lots to still consider about going... but there will be professional photographers there (target market!?), it's in a suburb near where our friends the Spriks now live, and I'm sure there's plenty we can learn at the conference in taking our online business places! They will also be offering a handmade market (booths) for a very reasonable price. I really hope it all works out, we love road trips!!

----------------------------

So. Yesterday my computer died. At least I think it did. Sigh. We really don't have time to deal with it, but I'm sure Jason will be able to revive it. He always does. Eventually it will have to finally die though, it's SEVEN years old. Yes, like prehistoric in computer years.

----------------------------

On to the meat of this post. ha! My birthday was two weeks ago (remember wonderful spa day?!). After my afternoon of pampering my pal, Brenda, threw me a mini little party at D'novo. Here's a few pics from that evening:

Brenda, Mom, Vanessa, me, Elise & Grandma

Laurie, Mom, Vanessa, me, Elise & Grandma

My mom knows me too well...I like a good "wrapped" present! (gift bags are so boring to open!)

Apparently everyone got the same memo about what colors to wear!

Brenda got me a gift certificate for my very own camera strap cover!

Happy Birthday, Laurie Lu!

2010-09-23T08:24:00.004-05:00

Who says twenty-somethings are too old for slumber parties!?

A couple weekends ago our friend Jef emailed out about throwing his wife a surprise slumber party for her 25th birthday!

I arrived at the same time as one of the other gals, so with pillows in hand we rang the doorbell. Miss Laurie opened the front door and stared at us quite confused as we hollered, "Happy Birthday!"

Jef promptly vacated the house for the night and a couple other of her friends showed up. None of us really know each other outside of Laurie, but we all had fun together anyways!

Meseidy of The Noshery whipped us up dinner out of pantry odd & ends- it was delish! She needs to start hosting home cooking shows!

Jef also had a cake "hidden" in the fridge...he must have picked out a cake he would like, cause we only ate 5 slices that night (about 1/4 of the cake) and Laurie told me later he finished it off slice by slice all by himself!! haha!

We had tons of chick flicks to choose from...but after chatting till 2am, we all decided we'd better get to sleep if we wanted to function in the morning! (a couple of us had to leave at 8:30)

Happy Birthday, Laurie!! I'm glad someone thinks we're not too old for slumber parties!

click!

2010-09-18T03:41:00.000-05:00

One of the latest things I've been up to is assisting Brenda in her photo studio. Little by little she's teaching me what she does/knows. It's wonderful!!

Here's a sneak peak at some of the things I do with her at a newborn photo session:

Here I am holding up the white blanket, the baby is on a bean bag.

She made an instruction guide for a photographer in England last week- all on newborns, so she did some "pull back" shots to show how it all comes together.

We cover the baby up between poses so they don't get cold and wake up . Plus there's usually lots of patting on the back to keep the babe settled from all the re-positioning we do.

Here's a few of the final outcomes...I sure couldn't tell you if these are the same baby or not...when we do 2-4 newborns a week the sessions all sorta run together in my head.

This is one of my all time favorite headbands she has!

This hat is new- we call it the peppermint stick hat!

If I remember right- this baby girl was an absolute angel! She slept so soundly we got all sorts of shots with her- lots of hats and headbands!! This is one of the headbands I made recently.

Another thing Brenda does is post her photos on Facebook in one of our Organic Bloom frames! It's been GREAT advertising for us since she posts to several big photography fan pages like Florabella and GracyLu Originals on a daily basis!

more painting!

2010-09-17T06:03:00.002-05:00

I mentioned yesterday that The Organic Bloom will be participating in several shows/craft fairs this winter. To do so we have to have a display booth of sorts. Jason set up some MDF for Brenda and I to paint- we didn't quite know what we were going for, but it turned out great!

For some silly reason Brenda refused to be photographed in her paint clothes, I on the other hand don't care. It even makes me feel more legitimate if I have to go to Lowe's in them! ha!

first we primed the MDF

Then we painted them white...probably could have just primed twice for the same look.

Then we rubbed brown glaze all over them.

Ta-da! We set them all up like an actual room (in the allotted booth dimensions) and got our wall/room layout all done. It's going to be FABULOUS!!

so very loved

2010-09-16T09:26:00.004-05:00

I've decided my blog needs some updating- specifically some updating on happy-non-losing-a-baby things. Contrary to my blog, life has been WONDERFUL these last 5-6 weeks!

Yesterday was a glorious "pre" birthday!

Brenda and I spent the whole morning painting the "walls" of our booth for several shows we will be participating in over the next 3 months. (The Organic Bloom and Brenda Horan Photography- we go very nicely together in a display!)

Upon arriving home I was greeted with these lovelies:

Flowers and a birthday card with the sweetest message:

"Lovely, Little Andrea-

Happy early birthday! We just want to let you know how very special you are to us. You are such a beautiful ray of sunshine, so full of life! Now get ready to feel like the pretty princess you are. Please be at Spa Southern Hills at 1:45 for a day of pampering. Your schedule is as follows:

1:45- Hydrotherapy Treatment

2:15- Full Body Massage

3:30- Mani/Pedi

Love you!

Rach, Rob & Jason"

(Big shout out to Rach for putting it all together and "helping" my husband out in the birthday department!! The massage was absolutely incredible! )

THEN, Brenda had a little dinner party planned for the evening- with my mom, grandma, sister and several of my closest girlfriends. (Thanks for the balloons too, B!)

I feel so very loved.

a harmless chick flick

2010-09-14T08:34:00.005-05:00

So...does anyone else remember Sweet Home Alabama having a scene about losing a baby?

Ya, I didn't either.

Poor Jason, I totally lost it after that last night.

(tomorrow it will be 8 weeks ago)

Reason # 926 I love Whole Foods

2010-08-31T21:25:00.004-05:00

So I'm grocery shopping at my fav and a lady comes on the speaker:

"Attention shoppers, Whole Foods is now offering a class on juicing starting right now in the room west of the cafe"

So I parked my cart at customer service and went next door. Great little class, I learned a few new things. The best part is that the lady who taught it is a midwife and offers more classes about prenatal nutrition, etc. Eeek! That's really exciting to me!

In other news, it's my Grandma Ross' & Laurie's Birthday today!! Happy Birthday, ladies!

A Family Manifesto

2010-08-24T11:34:00.005-05:00

After making very little headway on our family mission statement over the last few months I came upon some inspiration last week via Oh Dee Doh

(Also found on Esty and aardvarkonsea.com)

And this book Jason is reading that he asked me to read too:

I wikipedia-ed "manifesto" yesterday and came up with this:

A manifesto is a public declaration of principles and intentions, often political in nature. Manifestos relating to religious belief are generally referred to as a creed. Manifestos may also be life stance-related.

I like that line about life stance related. a lot.

So, I think I'm going to be writing a family manifesto instead.

I have lots of notes written down, now I just need to consolidate them into an artful piece!

week four

2010-08-18T08:48:00.000-05:00

Today marks four weeks out from losing our baby. It feels like it was four months ago already. Time is so funny like that: slow going when your in the trenches yet so distant once it's in the past.

The time has not come for us to try again yet, so I've done my best to look on the bright side. My mom said some of these were a stretch, but way to be positive! ha!

I've worn that pair of shorts that didn't really fit in June and July

I've gone boating twice

I've supported and encouraged a friend who miscarried last week

I've had red wine

I've jumped off a cliff at the lake

I've stayed up late

I've finally said yes to assisting Brenda with her photography business

I've continued to peruse the "xs" rack at Target

"You will find what you are looking for in life: are you a humming bird seeking out sweet nectar or a vulture scanning for rotten stuff?" -Craig Groeschel

SUNday at Grand, part II

2010-08-17T09:50:00.000-05:00

Jason and I joined our pals Robert and Rachel at Grand Lake this past weekend.

Saturday evening we cruised over to Driping Springs and jumped off the cliff there- I didn't take my camera, so this is just a photo I found online

Rob gave us all jumping instructions, "Jump straight and stiff- arms to the side and toes down. No flailing." I got those instructions right...but here's what pretty much happened to me

My whole back side is quite tender and I have a ginormous blue bruise on the back of one of my legs. I've gone cliff jumping a couple times over the last 5 years and never had that happen! My little body acted like a feather on the way down- ouch!

Then we also went sailing one afternoon- Rachel, Jason and I became part of the dam touchers club.

(Pensacola Dam at Grand Lake)

I wish I had a pic of us four in the sailboat- but my camera battery died right after I took this pic...me and the camera just couldn't quite make it together on this trip.

I came across this awesome quote for our weekend since we did both:

There are two ways to travel on the water. A motor boat gets you from point A to point B in the most expedient fashion, with the objective of the ride being just the destination. A sail boat on the other hand, may have point B as a secondary goal, but its primary purpose is the pleasure of the journey. It may zigzag through the water at an indeterminate rate of speed, and may or may not get to the other side in a timely fashion, but the sailor has the pleasure of the experience.

And a pleasurable experience we had! Thanks Rob & Rach!

Wedding Bells for KB!

2010-08-14T08:40:00.001-05:00

A snapshot from my college roommate's recent wedding reception-

Kara (I call her KB)- has been teaching English at a college in China the last 2 years. There she met Peter, who was there teaching Korean. It was so cool to finally meet him- I've been following her blog (ok, she has two) since I discovered what blogs are!

Kara & Peter got married in her backyard with their two families present- I got this pic from her America blog...it's just so darn cute. So Kara.

I told her at her reception- I've always known she wouldn't marry an American!

She responded that she knew the same :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here's a couple oldies for the fun of it!

(I've known Kara her whole life!)

Kara's mom, Erin (left), is holding me as an infant, winter '84. I'm 14 months older than Kara, so she's probably not even in existence yet here! (My mom is on the right)

I'm in the pink star ensemble and Kara is the girl with the long hair in the back

Most likely Christmas '89 or '90

SUNday at Grand

2010-08-13T17:54:00.000-05:00

I got to see some of my cousins from Texas again this last weekend! They came up to spend the weekend with my parents at Grand Lake, so Vanessa and I snuck away to spend Sunday with them.

Charlee came and 'helped' me out of bed kinda early that morning, so then she showed me how to make a 'mocha' coffee. Mostly milk, chocolate, and whipped cream! Not much coffee!

At least half of our mochas were filled with whipped cream!

Charlee caught four fish that morning with my dad!

Cousin Kennah, with Vanessa and me.

This was on Saturday- Stephen and Charlee tubing

My mom helped Charlee fry up the fish she caught- we each got about 1/2 a bite! Charlee was just thrilled we were eating her fish, even if they were small!

(thanks to Kennah for sharing her pics with us!)

Sweet Summertime!

2010-08-11T14:40:00.004-05:00

One of my summertime faves...

Sally Hanson Insta-Dry nail polish!

(My finger nails are "mint sprint" turquoise!)

(my toe nails are "brisk blue"!)

Jason says he doesn't understand the obsession- oh but my sister and girlfriends do!

Eat my words...

2010-08-09T19:18:00.004-05:00

...so maybe we do live on a farm. Scratch that last post about the nice neighborhood...the very next day after that blog published we found a POSSUM in our house!

I was already asleep (at 12:30am) when Jason ran in our room, flipped on the lights and hollered at me, "Andrea come QUICK! There's a possum in our bathroom!!"

I was less than amused at him waking me up over a possum, but I obliged and got my camera to watch him corral this thing into a box. I had visions of a big nasty possum- wondering how it got in our house- but it turned out just to be a baby. We concluded it must have come through the plumbing access in the hot water closet. Finnigan has gone under the house that way before, but all we did to solve that problem was nail the door shut. Finn is too big to go under the gap beneath the door to that closet...he is however constantly interested in what is going on in that closet, now I know for good reason!

I got a great laugh out of my giant husband perched on the edge of the tub trying to poke the possum into a box! Jason was a bit concerned as he didn't know what possums can do- can they jump? do they have rabies? So he stayed a safe distance back! (The bowl was our first thought at trying to capture the creature, we ended up with a broom and a box.)

Apparently they must be able to jump- the little guy was no longer in the box on our front porch in the morning. (Jason was going to show the neighbor kids if it was still there.)

too good to pass up

2010-08-05T20:51:00.006-05:00

a comment that is...via email our friend, Rob, responded to my chicken post:

I feel as though there should be some note about the chickens and the squash. Like "Note: we do not live on a farm but instead in the middle of one of the nicest neighborhoods in Tulsa..."

tis true...

(this morning's bounty)

...Elizabeth doesn't call them the "Mapleridge Egg Factory" for nothing!

Sneak Peek!

2010-08-04T08:16:00.000-05:00

My mom's brother & sister's families visited Tulsa this past weekend in celebration of my Grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary- so here we are, the whole gang!

I was so thrilled it worked out for us to have Brenda Horan take our family photo before she left on vacation. Here's one of the sneak peeks she emailed me before she left!

Ross Family 2010

processing

2010-08-04T07:08:00.004-05:00

Today marks 2 weeks since the miscarriage started. It did it's thing, it's over. Now it's strange to think that today I would be 14 weeks. In the blink of an eye life is back to how it was in April. It's hard to not think of these last 3 months as time lost, all for nothing. But they're not- our lives happened then too...they were just different.

My next door neighbor told me something her dr. had told her- "basically humans just aren't very good at reproducing"- Elizabeth's had 4 miscarriages.

I'm finding that to be more and more true as people have offered their sympathy. I never had a clue to the miscarriage world prior to this- my mom never had one, Jason's mom never had one, my aunt with SIX kids never had one...but now that our news has made it's way around SO many moms (and even a few fathers) have told me they lost their first and then one, two, three, and even four more in the midst of all their kiddos. At least 3 new people told me yesterday about their losses too.

I wonder why so many don't make it? After Googling, it's not really known why so many women miscarry (most within the first 12 weeks), pretty much because it's never investigated or a woman didn't even know she was pregnant. Just chalk it up to life happening and move on. That's what we've had to do. We will never know why our little babe didn't grow right and didn't get to enter this world.

I've had a tremendous amount of peace about it all. I cried deep and hard Thursday night 2 weeks ago, but that's it. Everyone keeps telling me how emotional it can be...but it just hasn't been terrible for me. I'm so grateful it hasn't.

I wonder how long it will take to get pregnant again- but as Jason always tells me- we aren't "trying", we'll just let it happen. I think that's easier for him to say, his body doesn't run on a cycle...time is just different for a man in that regard. I'm definitely nervous about being pregnant again. I just have to shut the "what ifs" off right as they begin. Only time will tell.

We both love the movie "Meet the Robinson's" (It's a Pixar film- we highly recommend it if you you haven't seen it!)- from it, we have a big quote in our living room: Keep Moving Forward. And that's exactly what we are doing.

(Photos from our family pics with Brenda last week- more to come!)

Chick Chick Chick-a-dee!

2010-08-03T20:07:00.007-05:00

Remember my neighbors baby chicks!?

Well they've become big chicks that lay eggs! We take Dan & Elizabeth some squash, they ring my doorbell and give me eggs! I have GREAT neighbors!!

Here's a few cuties!

(these became an omelet right after I snapped the pic!)

Melt my heart

2010-08-01T11:56:00.000-05:00

Just melt my heart, sweet husband!

It was really bittersweet to watch Jason be so interested in holding

baby Katy at Michael & Megan's wedding.

1- cause we both knew we were losing our baby that day and

2- cause I've never known Jason to seek out holding a small baby

Girls Getaway

2010-07-31T16:30:00.000-05:00

I hope to have one of these one day- ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!

And certainly- no boys allowed!

Michael & Megan's Summer Wedding

2010-07-30T07:55:00.000-05:00

My cousin, Michael, married his beautiful bride, Megan, this past weekend.

Me, mom, Vanessa and cousin David's fiancé, Camille, helped served the rehearsal dinner.

Me, Camille & Vanessa

Our aprons each describe us so well!

Feminine- Texas lover- "Eat at your own risk!"

Mom & Nessa

We stayed at Stephen, Kennah & Charlee's house

Here, Charlee is showing me the fly she caught!

Charlee working on her photography skills- Stephen & Aspen

It was supposed to be an outdoor wedding, but it rained quite a bit during the day, so the ceremony was moved inside. The pictures afterwards were able to be outside though. Vanessa and I helped our other cousin, Kennah, with the group photos. Vanessa works for a photography company and knows how daunting the group pics can be- 50 people milling around and not one of them listening! Between the 3 of us, we got them knocked out pretty quick and everyone off to the reception!

The new Mr. & Mrs.

Me and my Mr.

Mama and her pretty gals

the three amigos

I didn't tell Jason that Collin wasn't going on this trip until the morning we left! HeHe! He was less than thrilled about a trip with 2 females, but he ended up enjoying himself!

I laughed and laughed when this picture download on the computer screen today- me and Nessa's faces say it all- that lady came barreling through and about knocked Vanessa out right as mom was taking the picture!

There, that's better!

Kennah, me & Vanessa

Jason takes credit for getting the ring bearer to ask Charlee to dance!

Dollar dance- Vanessa dancing with the groom

Katelyn paid her dollar to dance with the groom too!

Vanessa, Megan & me

Camille, Nessa, me & Aunt Teresa

My cousins Sarah, Robert & their new Katy girl

Last one of the night.

Final Letter

2010-07-29T17:40:00.004-05:00

I'm not going to post the 12 week letter as it addresses the day the miscarriage began last week.

It slowly progressed into the weekend- we still took our trip to my cousins wedding- both knowing what was happening (with midwife's approval too). I have done my best to convey to all my cousins what a fantastic job they did at unknowingly distracting me from much sorrow and pain. I'm not sure when the last time was that I laughed as much as I did this past weekend!

This week has moved forward with more physical and emotional pain. Today we met with our midwife and she confirmed that there was no heartbeat but determined that I am in fact on the mend and healing quite well. I've had good days and bad days this week, but over all am finding much peace in knowing that my body did what God designed it to do when a pregnancy is not going right. We will try again at this baby thing. :)

I wanted to do one final picture & letter this week- at the sunset- as this chapter of our lives ends. Brenda, you've been an awesome friend to do this project for us and be there for me this last week!

Dear Baby,

Precious little one, you went to heaven this week without us. My heart is broken that my womb is now empty, but I know you are resting in the arms of Jesus. That's exactly where I've had to come to rest too. We were already so attached to you in these few short weeks. It's amazing how hard it is to let go of you- someone we've never seen or met. You will always be mommy & daddy's first baby.

All My Love, Mama

Weeks 6-11

2010-07-21T22:24:00.005-05:00

Let's try this again! My apologies to all who so badly wanted to read all the letters and couldn't squint that small! ;)

Dear Baby,

It's only been 5 days since we found out about your arrival, but I've already found myself treating each hour of every day differently.

I wonder with each bite I eat if that will be a food you will like.
I drive more cautiously, praying for extra safety now knowing you're inside of me.
While doing countless loads of camp laundry, I found myself wondering how I will lean over to get laundry out of the washing machine once my belly gets big!?
Daddy and I have been taking long evening walks to make sure you and I stay fit and healthy.
I already wonder what you will do with your "grownup" life- will you honor the Lord, will you work with your hands, will you be a creative type?
I've made more time to sleep & nap- exhaustion reminds me that my body is creating a new LIFE. Incredible.

All my love, Mama

Dear Baby,
I'm noticing more changes in my sleep habits this week. I can barely keep my eyes open at night and am then usually wide awake between 5-6am! I tried so hard to sleep in on Saturday morning- only to get right up at 7 and go work in my flower garden for 2 hours! This week we told your Sooter grandparents the baby news- I hear Grandma Diane hasn't quit talking about you all week long! Then yesterday at lunch I surprised your "Aunt" Elise with a jar of Prego spaghetti sauce and a card from you- she screamed in the middle of the cafe where we were eating! You are already cherished by our family and friends!
All my love, Mama

Dear Baby,
What to say other than this week has been marked by a constant dull sense of nausea- oh so quick to remind me that you're there! Daddy and I have been duking it out over my beloved "Reed's Ginger Ale"! We finally came to the agreement that he may have 2 per week, the rest are mine! We also celebrated his first Father's Day- I bought you a onesie that says, "My daddy can fix anything" and I made him pancakes in the shape of "D-A-D". Aunt Vanessa found the coolest vintage four-poster crib on Craigslist for you, Mom and I picked it up yesterday! Little by little we are starting to prepare for your arrival!
All my love, Mama

Dear Baby,
I'm starting to notice a teeny little bump in my belly this week! We told my Granny Lyons this week and also made our exciting news public. It's been a lot of fun to hear from everyone on Facebook! I've felt so much better this week since I started eating a few mint leaves everyday- what a welcome relief from the nausea it's been! The current task at hand: start on our midwife's recommended reading list. We are headed on your first car trip tomorrow, and now I've got plenty of reading for the drive.

All My Love, Mama

Dear Baby,
We just returned from your first road trip to Texas! Besides a few naps here and there you did a fantastic job of keeping it cool, all the women in my family were jealous of how great I've been feeling! :) I learned how to can pickled beets with my Granny & Aunt Chris and then helped paint & decorate my cousins Stephen & Kennah's new house. Meanwhile, daddy scaled the highest point in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, with your Grandpa Bob and Uncle Kevin. Tulsa has been in a rainy spell since we returned, which makes for some long and pleasant afternoon naps!
All My Love, Mama

Dear Baby,
Daddy's been working like crazy this week- people keep calling him to do remodeling plus he's working so hard in launching our newest business, The Organic Bloom. We tossed around more baby names with our friends, it was fun to hear some fresh ideas. We don't have a boy name ready yet, but we've got time! We have a bumper crop of jalapeños in our garden, so I've been adding them to various dishes. I hope you'll like spicy food like me! My "What to Expect" iPhone app says you're getting eyebrows this week! It's so much fun to think about your tiny details!
All My Love, Mama

Nursery Ideas

2010-07-18T17:40:00.000-05:00

Here's where I started: an article in Veranda magazine- I LOVED the blue and whites with dark woods. So I emailed it to my mom. She ever so sweetly reminded me (burst my bubble?) that as a staged room, they have lots of "natural" light and tall ceilings...not really the same scenario that I have! But that if this is what I really like, we should use it as a spring board. :)

Then I saw this rug at Target: OooOooh, Ahhhh :)

THEN, yesterday I came across this swatch at an estate sale. I REALLY like this color scheme! And the prints- since we aren't going to find out the sex of the baby, I like that the green adds a boy element and the red flowers add some feminine flair! Now- anyone know where I can get some fabric like this? No telling how old the quilt block is!

~~~~~~~~~~

At the same estate sale, I picked up a few old vintage magazines- I can't wait to have Jason make me some custom frames for them!

I chose this one cause we want to live in the country one day.

I chose this one cause it's construction related- it adds a bit of Jason to the mix.

The I liked this one for the flowers and the little "nuclear" family :)

I also like the texture that this vintage crochet offers.

~~~~~~~~~~

This is the gorgeous four poster crib my sister discovered on Craigslist!

I haven't decided if I will distress it or leave it off white.

Ta-da!

Now just to put it all together-

thankfully when the time comes, my mom is sure talented in that arena!

Jumpin back in!

2010-07-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

[I started this post on Wednesday night...only for my computer to crash midway through...and I just have't been back in the mood to finish it...again. ]

Ok- I've got to jump back into the blog thing! I've just not been in the mood and that makes me sad cause I like my blog. :)

So here goes!

[warning: I have a feeling this post is going to be very random!]

Shout out to our latest business venture: The Organic Bloom! We've actually sold FOUR frames now!! We are both so excited to see what's in store! Here's a sampling of our custom picture frames- know a photographer? Send them our link!

Note: as of today (Saturday) we've now sold NINETEEN!! Yipee!!!!! (ok, so it helps that one photographer in New Jersey ordered 12 to do a display in a children's boutique! Eeeek!)

Monday night dinner: a fabulous first for me-minus that fact that one of my eaters didn't like mushrooms- but those could be left out next time. Creamy Spinach-Mushroom Skillet Enchiladas! (pictures forthcoming when the host of the evening sends them to me :) I also added ground beef and a can of black beans. 3 guys+pregnant me= recipe needed a protein boost!

The same evening I met Tulsa's own Bakerella-Rachel of Alter [Egos] Couture Cupcakes- delightfully adorable! See:

Speaking of adorable: (Joyfolie)...added bonus, her blog's playlist is sweet!

Latest garage sale score! (definitely been on my want list for our kids!)

And speaking of kids- once I get my 11 week photo back from Brenda, I'll repost all the photos with the letter's below them so you all can read them. Apparently I made several people very sad that they didn't know what weeks 7-9 said! oops!

I went to An Affair of the Heart yesterday with my mom at the fairgrounds. Worlds largest craft show/womanfest ever. I think next year we will shoot to have a booth for The Organic Bloom!!

I can make Jason forget all his worries and stresses for one sweet hour just by making him tacos. He was so happy I made them Thursday night. :)

I've finished 2 baby books since I started looking for the books on my reading list- one per week! I'm thrilled! It's been forever since I've actually finished a book!

We can't make up our minds if we should get another cat or not. So far the perfect little sister for Finnigan hasn't surfaced yet. I have my heart set on a brown tabby kitten. Just like this:

I adore Finnigan's stripey little legs and want another one just like him!

Whew. I'm out of steam. Hopefully I'll get some more soon- lots is happening these days and I want to remember it all!

pregnancySTORY

2010-07-10T19:11:00.004-05:00

According to [Mountain Mama] Ashley's definition, I am also a slogger (a slacking blogger) BUT she just announced her latest pregnancy too...so maybe we have the same problem (being tired all the time?)

In other news this week I need to post this SUPER AMAZING AWESOME project that my and my photog friend, Brenda Horan, and I are working on: pregnancySTORY!!

Every week she takes my picture and I write a letter to our little blessing :) I'll try to do a better job here on out of posting them each week!

(click on picture to enlarge so you can read the letter)

As of today I'm about 10 1/2 weeks along. I've been feeling great for the past 2 weeks, really only tired...I will take tired over nausea any day though! My "What to Expect" app on my iPhone says the baby is the size of a lime this week- which I am beginning to notice by the fit of my clothes! The skirt I picked out for church tonight usually hangs on my hips, it was definitely snug today! Jason has been doing a really great job of taking care of me- insisting on lots of naps, walks and healthy eating. :)

Advice I wish I got at week 5

2010-06-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

Tuesday- June 22nd- 8 weeks

So I was poking around thebump.com in the "first trimester" forum this evening and came across this fantastic post (as I barely got my dinner down and am slowly sipping my ginger ale- meanwhile my eyelids are propped open with toothpicks at 7pm) It's too funny to not pass on!

Advice I wish I got at week 5

For all the ladies that haven't reached week 6 yet I have some advice. Go out and do fun stuff. I've read that 2/3 of women get morning sickness and I pray that you are all in the 1/3 that is spared but not me. I'm in hell and I never saw it coming. I know it's for a good cause and I know it will pass but here is my point. Up until week 6 the fatigue and sore boobs are nothing and you should enjoy this blissful time. So go out to dinner and eat all your favorite foods especially greasy salty stuff. Have sex with DH! Spend time with friends and family.

I am starving and everything I eat makes me sick. I'm down to fruit, chicken broth, toast and rice chex. I've tried everything that everyone suggests and so far only ginger gum and papaya enzyme have helped a little bit. I just tell myself that high hormone levels mean healthy baby and it won't last forever. But at this point I'd confess to a crime I didn't commit to make it end.lol

Telling our parents!

2010-06-26T05:45:00.001-05:00

First I want to tell Jason's parent's - I had a grand surprise idea to tell you guys too...but then Jason just told you...so next baby I'll get you guys AND Jason all at once so he can't ruin the surprise for you! Hehe! I love surprises and think that this is one of those things that is FUN to share in that manner!

So picking up from my story the day before (Friday, June 4th)...my parent's had decided that Saturday night we would all get together for a BBQ at their house for Collin & Vanessa's birthdays.

For the longest time I'd told myself, "If it works out, I want to tell my parent's for father's day." Well I didn't quite make it to father's day!

I went to Sam's Saturday morning (June 5th) and bought an "infant" life jacket and then wrapped it in a huge big box. (My parent's have a boat.) I had my cards for Collin & Vanessa so I just set them on top of the box. When I got to my parent's house, everyone thought I'd gotten them a big birthday present.

We swam.

We ate.

We sat around.

We ate dessert.

and then FINALLY opened presents.

Collin & Vanessa opened their cards, meanwhile I held on to the box. After they opened the last card I stood up and handed the big box to my dad and said, "This is for father's day, but I think you'd like to have it sooner than later."

He opened it up, pulled the life jacket out and just stared at it. He didn't get it right away, and Vanessa was asking all sorts of questions, "Is it one of those life jackets you wear just around your neck like you already have? Why is it so small? What is it, dad?"

My mom got it right away, but thankfully let the suspense play out a bit longer. Finally dad said, "Well, Cherie, what is it?" I told him to read the tag out loud..."Infant 15-30 lbs...so does this mean what I think it means?"

"YES!!!"

Thankfully Vanessa grabbed my camera at that point and took a bunch of pictures - she and Collin even changed the "Happy Birthday" letters on their cake to spell "baby" instead!

How I found out!

2010-06-25T05:23:00.003-05:00

I don't want to forget how this day went for me-

Friday, June 4, 2010

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Thursday night at RFKC I had an inkling that I was pregnant- I came to camp expecting that it was going to be that time of the month (ugh)- all the signs were there except it never came. Plus I had just felt "off" all week in my photography duties. I kept telling myself, "Come on, Andrea, this is your 6th year at this, get your game on!"

Friday morning I drove to town to submit the last of my photos for printing- it was about 8:45 when I arrived at Walmart. I immediately went and picked up a box of "2 Clearblue Digital" pregnancy tests. Thankfully at that point I really needed to use the restroom, so I check out and went straight there!

I did my thing and less than a minute later the word "Pregnant" came on to the screen.

OH. MY.GOSH

I could hardly believe it!! And then there I was all alone in Walmart in Tahlequah, OK. Everyone I wanted to tell was at Camp Egan- down in a valley with NO cell phone reception!

I got to the back of the store to submit my photos. As soon as I was done with that, I had the gal at the photo counter take my picture with the positive pregnancy test- I am just glowing in that photo!!!

Then I walked around the store some more, a nervous excited wreck. I finally got the courage to call my friend, Brenda Horan- she wanted to know what Jason's reaction was and then my mom's- and I had to tell her I couldn't tell either of them just yet.

I picked up my pictures and headed back to Camp Egan.

THEN I held my secret in ALL day long. Jason was having a rough rough morning with his campers acting up and I knew it wasn't the right time to tell him yet.

We finally got home around 7pm that night and went out to look at the garden (which had tripled in size while we were gone for 5 days!) and came inside. Jason asked me if I could make tacos for dinner and I said sure, but I needed to show him something first. We sat at the kitchen table and I pulled out the two positive pregnancy tests...his first reaction...we'll I hear it's a pretty "male" reaction to such news. He got this pained expression on his face and said, "You're.......pregnant?" At which point I burst into tears and said, "You're not excited?" To which he said, "No, it's not that, I was still just thinking about the yummy tacos you're about to make." Which made me burst out laughing instead. (I broke a cardinal rule - feed your hubby BEFORE you tell him big news- I just was so excited that I forgot to fill his tummy first!)

(And for the record I had randomly asked Jason several weeks prior how he wanted to find out we were having a baby- not knowing it would be so soon- surprise or just me telling him? He said just me telling him...so that's what I did!)

February 2011

2010-06-24T23:00:00.001-05:00

WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!

I've been on a little blog hiatus since I found out...baby on the brain...and until now I've done my best to keep it under wraps!

The breaking point was that I wanted to tell my Granny in person- but I wasn't going to see her until July 4th weekend in Texas...but Granny and Papa decided to come to Tulsa today with my Aunt & Uncle! So I got my wish, but didn't have to keep a secret for a WHOLE other week!!

We are SO excited!

I am so nauseous all the time...

and I've been super tired...

but, WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!

Here's today's stats:

I am 8 weeks, 1 day pregnant

Our due date is February 2, 2011

Our baby is the size of an olive this week

Growing Green

2010-06-15T07:48:00.006-05:00

Finnigan has watched our garden grow from

This (May 25th)

(the whole garden)

(squash)

(tomatoes)

(bell peppers)

(squash)

to THIS! (June 14th)

(tomatoes)

(the squash are HUGE and taking over the garden- along with the cantelope, cucumbers and zucchini)

(yellow summer squash)

(buttercup squash)

(butternut squash)

A seasoned gardener told me last week- this is the BEST his garden has ever done so early on in the summer- I guess we picked a great year to be "firstimers" at this gardening thing!

Dirt under my fingernails!

2010-06-14T09:35:00.008-05:00

I spent about 4 hours yesterday working on my front flower beds- pulling tons of grass out of them, putting down wet newspaper and then topping it all off with fresh mulch!

(a couple of weeks ago- you see all that sneaky grass in my flowerbed!?)

Since this is just a rent house, we've not really wanted to put much money into the landscape so I've focused on planting perennials from my next door neighbor and my mom.

The house came with two gorgeous hydrangeas!! And they're BLUE- one of my all time favorite flowers!

Several perennials from my mom & neighbor are - pink & purple cone flowers, African daisies, bee balm and day lilies.

Lester H. Davis

2010-06-07T08:31:00.004-05:00

Today Jason and I will attend the funeral of a GREAT man of God

A sweet friend

Grandfather to an entire church

Les Davis

Les-isms

"How's Old Beetlebaum?"

"Is he taking good care of you sweetheart!?"

"Are you working hard or hardly working?"

"Hey Stinky!"

"Are you being an ornery old codger?"

Les passed away last week while we were all at RFKC- someone piped right up and said, "I hope St. Peter is ready for the strongest handshake ever!" So true- Les would just about crush your fingers, even at 86 years old!

We loved Les, and are so sad for the Davis family, but are rejoicing that he is in heaven today!

(Obituary from the Tulsa World)

Lester H. Davis, 86, of Tulsa went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 03, 2010. Les was born on August 18, 1923, near Bluejacket, Oklahoma the youngest of the ten children of Horten and Nora Davis. Les is survived by his wife Mary having shared 63 years of togetherness. He is followed in life by two sons, Tim and his wife Emily of Houston; and Greg and his wife Donna of Tulsa. He was a beloved granddad to six granddaughters and four grandsons-in-law; and 2 great-grandsons and 1 great-granddaughter. Les is a World War II Army Air Corps Veteran, graduate of University of Tulsa and retired from a long career as an engineer with Sun Oil Company. As a committed Christian man Les served the Lord in ministry as a deacon, teacher, choir member, and willing servant throughout his life. Les impacted the lives of hundreds with his caring, compassionate words of encouragement. In short, he was a true Christian at all times and in every relationship. Memorial donations are encouraged in lieu of flowers, to Royal Family Kids Camp, c/o Christian Chapel, 7807 E. 76th St., Tulsa, OK 74133. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m., on Sunday at Moore’s Southlawn Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, June 7, 2010, at Christian Chapel, followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery. Moore’s Southlawn 663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com This obituary was published in the Tulsa World on 6/5/2010.

Washing Day

2010-06-06T15:58:00.003-05:00

We're back from camp!! My washer and dryer are getting a crazy hard work out today!

I think I'm on load 9 or 10 right now...and at least 3 left.

(Most of it is bedding- Jason brought home ALL the sheets & blankets from his cabin- his co-counselor had a death in the family, so it's probably better they all came to me instead of Jake's wife)

A Fav T-town Original!

2010-06-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

*I haven't been to their newest Tulsa store yet, but I hear it's like a QT theme park!

Before the days of eating healthy and organic grocery shopping we adored QuikTrip and all it's tasty glory.

I may not frequent their gas station eatery, but I still want to give them props for the business that they do!

59 cent cheap drink summer (peach tea used to be our standard)

dollar taquitos

slushies

89 cent cappuccino sugary goodness

instant milkshakes

a "welcome" and "come again" to every single customer- at every single location

and spotless bathrooms (important to a lady, you know!)

What more could one ask for?

When I babysat a few years back, the kids would beg me to take them to QuikTrip for lunch- and gladly I did! I wasn't their mom and babysitters are supposed to let you do things your parents don't! hehe!

QT- you have my gasoline dollars, whether I eat your junk food or not!

2010-06-02T01:14:00.001-05:00

Continuing on in my week of favorites- another of mine is Pampered Chef!

I am offering a "catalog" show right now with a cute mama of 4 that I met via blogging about 2 years ago!

Here's the link if you're interested in placing a Pampered Chef order this week:

http://www.pamperedchef.biz/brandyknopp

Click on "shop online" in the upper left hand corner

Host Name: Andrea Sooter

And then you're in!

(If you're nearby me, it's much cheaper to have your items shipped to me vs. your own house- so that's an option too)

Happy shopping! Here are a few of my absolute favorite Pampered Chef items:

I have 2 of these- my Grandma Ross always says "You can never have too many brownie spatulas!" So true, so true!

This is THE way to peel/slice/core apples for pie...especially if you're making multiple apple pies! An added plus is that your husband will be intrigued with it and offer to help you make your pie! Even if he's like mine and doesn't like apple pie!

I've had a couple of these apple slicer type things- the PC one is by far the best! It's so sturdy!

This is just plain fun to have!!

Admission: I have FIVE of these! Stoneware is the WAY to bake bread!

The mini baker- we LOVE to make personal sized pizzas in ours... I have 4 so we can make pizzas with family & friends!

Another thing that PC makes that is top notch! (Well all their stuff is top notch!)

This is an egg separator...but I use my regularly to dunk my eggs into boiling water to make hard boiled eggs- it keeps them from dropping so fast to the bottom of the pot & cracking!

the end

Twenty-Three

2010-06-01T11:03:00.000-05:00

My sister, Vanessa, & her hubby, Collin, both turn 23 this week!

(June 1st)

(June 8th)

Happy Birthday to the little lovebirds!!

(In love with each other and the Boston Red Sox!!)

Dear Jim & Ally, please invite me over for breakfast!

2010-05-31T01:20:00.000-05:00

While I'm away this week taking 10,000 photographs~ I want to leave you faithful readers with some cute link love :)

I came across this coolest daddy ever on Oh Dee Doh - Jim's Pancakes!

Here are a few of my favorite!!

And we're off!

2010-05-30T07:45:00.002-05:00

We are headed to foster kids camp!

(Royal Family Kids Camp)

Keep us in your prayers!

There are 68 Tulsa area foster kids coming

and about 60 staff adults volunteering!

I can't wait!!

See you next weekend with some photos!

Tie Dye T-Shirts

Leathercraft

Map & Compass Trail

Choir

Zip Line

Tea Parties

Pretend British Accents

Dress Up

Imaginary Play

Woodshop

Fishing

hiking

swimming

Paint Pavilion

Group Games

Birthday Parties

Creature Catching

Crawdad Hunting

Flying Kites

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies!

2010-05-29T14:59:00.004-05:00

*I don't have a clear pic of them on their wedding day- so the rehearsal will have to do

Several people asked for the Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe I was referring to in my last post- so here it is!

(Disclaimer- not made with anything healthy (crisco), sorry)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Susan Stephens (Matthew’s Mom)

*She made 400 of these for Matt’s groom’s “cake”

May 2008

Preheat Oven: 350 F

Put together in a bowl:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Blend: (Cream butter and two sugars first)
1 cup butter ( I never use butter, I use butter flavored Crisco)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs. (Whip with a fork first before you pour into sugar mixture)

v Mix two together with as little mixing as possible, just until you can tell it's all blended.

v Add two cups of Choc Chips or the 12oz package.

v Bake in a preheated 350 oven.

v I turn (flip over I think?) mine after five minutes then just start watching them after 3 more minutes. I don't like to give times because your oven may be different.

Their wedding was pre blog days- I just have to post this one cause I love my hair in it! My friend, Danielle did this with her flat iron!

Me & my honey bunny at Matt & Jess'wedding - I was a bridesmaid & Jason was an usher

Love it!!

2010-05-25T08:02:00.001-05:00

My college roommate, Kara (KB) is getting married this summer and planning a big reception in August for everyone to come to- I think this is about the coolest party idea I've EVER seen!!

(via her recent wedding planning post)

Self serve MILK & COOKIES!!

Yes, please!!

KB, if you do this, I have THE best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever- our friend's mom made it for his "groom's cake" at their wedding!

iLove

2010-05-24T21:36:00.004-05:00

We did it.

Tonight we bit the bullet and bought a brand new iMac computer. Jason's been limping along with his Dell trying to work with SolidWorks to be able to make cutting files for his CNC router.

(Problematic with trying to start a new business.)

She looks like this:

I've already named her Maxie. She's beautiful.

I called and left my sister a message like this (in a loud excited voice!!) "Vanessa! Guess what!! ...we got a brand new iMac tonight! That's all, bye"

So she called me back later and said she was just sure I was announcing that I was "pregnant by the tone of my voice on the message...but a Mac, that's exciting too..."

Vanessa: "So whose computer is this?"

Me: "Jason's" (Jason in the background says, "Oh it's OURS until we get Andrea a MacBook")

Vanessa: "Oh, like "ours" like Collin's new Honda Element that I never get to drive!? Haha!"

(Jason): "No!"

Me: "I'm with you Vanessa!"

The end.

(PS Jason's video chatting with Matthew, getting all sorts of tutorial tips, so Finnigan got to say hello to Jessica :)

50 million wedding cakes

2010-05-21T06:48:00.003-05:00

Ok, it was just thirty...but felt like 50 million ;)

Somewhere back in February I said yes to my friend, Marilyn, to making 30 6x6x6 cakes- to be the centerpiece of each table at a wedding. She had another wedding that same day and couldn't do both.

What was I thinking?!

Marilyn had me over to her house - she taught me how to make her butter cream frosting and start practicing icing techniques.

2 hours in lessons

Several weeks ago Jason brought our chest freezer home from the shop and I began baking cakes- a few here and there. It took about an hour to make 2.

grease pans

make cake mixes (from a box- my one saving grace in all this)

bake for 40 minutes

ice with a "tack coat" while still hot (milk & powdered sugar)

freeze

repeat

15 hours of baking

When I first said yes to doing this project I knew I had to have a helper. I stopped in one day at our friends house and asked their mom if she would be willing to help me. I still can't believe she said yes and stayed with me the whole time! She came over 2 evenings and we worked on our frosting skills

3 hours practicing frosting

Then came the big frosting weekend.

I did the "assembly" part- putting the cakes together, basic frosting, plus I made all the batches of frosting (about one per cake)

my "finished" part

Then I passed them off the Kerry- she did the "smoothing" part since she was better than me at that step. She also sifted ALL the powdered sugar we used - close to 75 lbs!!

Some of the cakes after being smoothed- we did the decorating the next day

All the cakes we did on Friday- 18

Last Friday Kerry came over and we started frosting frosting and more frosting- she was at my house for 10 hours on Friday, 8 hours on Saturday and then helped me deliver and set them up another 2 hours on Sunday.

Getting close to having 30 done- Saturday afternoon

18 hours frosting

Go, Kerry, go!!

Some had dots, some not

2 hours delivering

= 50 hours on this crazy project

Again, what was I thinking!?

My friend, Florene, cutting the cake at her table

My friend, Sharon, cutting the cake at her table

Miss Manners being goofy for me!

I was pretty much a nervous wreck all last weekend until I got to the wedding (yes, I also had to attend it and look at those cake some more! ahh!) and then I got lots of positive feedback on the cakes. I knew they tasted fine, but as to how they all looked - I saw every mistake and crinkle in the icing. Did I mention they were the centerpieces, and that everyone sat at tables during the ceremony, and that the cakes were on a 12 inch pedestal- right at eye level??

One of the guests posted this on Facebook- so many people were disappointed to find out the "M" was not chocolate!

One of the most meaningful comments I got was from my friend Marilyn's husband, Ed. He put his arm around me and said, "Andrea, I'm probably the only one in this room who knows how hard a square cake is. I know how hard it is to "square up" corners- and you had to do 120 of them! You did a fantastic job for your first time." (Marilyn's been making cakes for over 35 years)

All said and done- would I do it again. Oh probably. I've got a lot more "cake skills" under my belt now, and I have a hard time turning down a challenge!

Oh, but I'm so glad this event is behind me now!

Mallory came over and gave me a big thumbs up! She thought the cake tasted delicious! (I used to babysit Mallory and her brothers when I was in college.)

My friend Nancy & I matched!

The venue was super cute - The Silo in West Tulsa

Margin Day

2010-05-20T10:22:00.005-05:00

last week i scheduled a day on my calendar to have the whole day off

no appointments

no chores

no thinking about work, let alone doing work

but rather, margin

(actually, the whole margin series is fantastic: week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4)

that day is today!!

i slept till 9am. eeek!

that was g.l.o.r.i.o.u.s!

i have no major goals for today

i think i'd like to spend part of it getting my blog caught up

and then maybe part of my day working on our family mission statement

it's supposed to thunder storm (yes, some MORE) today

good day to stay inside and let my body and soul recoup

blog posts in the upcoming few days will explain why I needed a day off!

(enjoying the quite the snow brings- January 2010)

Happy Birthday, Brenda!

2010-05-14T07:52:00.005-05:00

Popping in for a quick hello and to post HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our pal, Brenda Horan!

If you live near Tulsa- look her up to do your next baby or family portrait session- she's fabulous!

We have had the privilege of working with her these past few weeks in launching our new business- and let me tell you- she is a little pistol! If you think Jason and I are crazy fast paced, then you'd never see her...go go go! We love DOERS, and many hats she wears- wife, mom, photographer, chef, creative guru, decorator, and adventurous antique hunter!

Thanks for your friendship, Brenda! We hope your birthday is full of spunk, just like YOU!

Life as it is

2010-05-12T21:11:00.002-05:00

Life hasn't really slowed down around here and won't until I have the cakes set on the tables for this wedding this weekend....so until I have more time to blog about everything going on, I want you to go to this blog and read this post!

I emailed my friend Laurie (who got me hooked on reading Emily's letters)- and told her I thought this post was phenomenal. If you are married or ever plan to be married you MUST read this.

I printed it and stuck it in my folder of things (that I'm ever so s.l.o.w.l.y working through) for our family mission statement.

Happy week to you- I'll see you all Sunday night with some fresh posts!

P.S. You'll also get to see our website unveiling for our new business next week! Are you excited!? I am!!

this crazy week

2010-05-06T02:04:00.004-05:00

Lots of irons in the fire this week

2nd night this week up past 1am

if you know me, you know I don't generally function past 10pm

There are currently 50 lbs of powedered sugar from Sam's on my kitchen table

18lbs of Crisco too

totally gross to even look at

butter cream frosting here i come

cakes in my freezer

I'm making the centerpieces for a wedding next weekend-

about 30 small (6x6) cakes

my great-uncle bud passed away last night

every spring seems to hold an average of 3 deaths/funerals for me

this is #4 this year

however the service will probably be in arizona

not really a doable trip right now

paint all over my craft table

I'm becoming a faux finish machine

sudden desire to meet the lady of The Magic Brush

working late nights at the shop with Jason while's cutting frames

huge and fast learning curve for the CNC router

Brenda is shooting photos of the frames on Friday

we're getting ready to launch into something new!

vending machine papers to be done before Friday morning

we're selling a portion of our vending route

all info must be in place

tomorrow morning I'd already committed to helping re-stock craft centers

for kid's camp

can't let my mom down!

goodnight

Tastyness

2010-04-29T12:06:00.000-05:00

I read these in my Google Reader one night before nodding off in bed, and whipped them up the very next morning.

Fantastic.

Swedish Pancakes. Crepes. Spongy like Tortillas.

Whatever you'd like to call them, they were super easy and got a stamp of approval from the picky-eater-man that I married...

2 eggs
2 cups milk or water
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons canola or coconut oil

Mix all ingredients well.

Lightly oil a small skillet and pre-heat. Measure 1/4 C. batter into the pan, and tilt to cover the bottom of the pan with batter.

Flip when edges are brown.

Fill with honey, cinnamon, or hot fruit (we did strawberries), then roll up. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now if you're me, and you happen to own a tortilla press, these are even easier to cook- just dollop and press. Cook for 45 seconds and wha-la!

RFKC Workspace!

2010-04-27T06:17:00.001-05:00

Every Tuesday afternoon I spend with a group of ladies at church working on quilts and other activities for Royal Family Kids' Camp. We completed the stash of quilts we will need for this year's foster kids camp and have since been working on costumes and re-stocking the activities centers. Last week we got to move into our very own workspace in the new part of the church building! For the last 11 years, a couple in our church has graciously allowed us to store all our RFKC wares in their business' warehouse. Now we have a dedicated room to work on and organize quilts, tea party regalia, costumes, bed linens and activities centers!

Mom, Me & Marilyn

There are about 35 completed quilts in those top 6 bins- in a month they will all have new homes with Tulsa area foster children!

Maureen was trying to avoid my photos! But I got her! I love Maureen- she's a hoot and has the most lovely British accent!

Jay (whose granddad has been storing our stuff in his warehouse) assembled 7 shelves on wheels and 3 hanging racks for us that day! He said he's got plenty more to put together too! We will also be getting ALL new storage bins with lids that can't be lost! (background)

Plus a new washer and dryer for the church will be housed in this room!

Things that go BUMP in the night, Part II

2010-04-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

Remember this post!?

Well we had a lovely repeat this week. This time there was glass. Lots of glass.... broken glass at 1:37 am...what's your first thought?

Thankfully it was just something falling off the wall and not an intruder. (Way to see the positive of a junky situation, right? :)

My sweet spice rack decided it no longer liked it's top piece of trim. You know, the piece that actually holds it to the wall.

[At this point, I have to make a disclaimer: this was NOT something my husband built- it's a craft organizer from Michaels- I saw 2 last week just like it in this post on Remodelaholic]

Anywho...we decided to clean it up in the morning so we stuck this screen up to keep Finnigan out of the kitchen.

I am not kidding when I said there was glass & ceramics everywhere.

I pulled out my trusty best vacuum in the entire world, Dyson!

Only 2 of my 8 mugs survived. Thankfully they were just from Treasure Land (aka Ross).

My broken spice jars, however, will have to wait till we go to Texas in July to be replaced. They are from World Market and we don't have one of those here in Tulsa AND they don't sell the specific jars I bought online...

Tomlinson's Move!

2010-04-25T08:40:00.002-05:00

We are still at that age- we or our friends always seem to be moving! I have no desire to ever be a professional mover, but I've become a kitchen packing pro! I can think of at least 7 friends whose kitchen's I've helped pack (or unpack) over the past couple of years!

Friday night we made homemade pizzas and headed over to Jef & Laurie's house to help them pack their POD. Five hours later their house was 95% packed and the POD was full! They will keep their stuff in the POD for about 10 days until their new house is ready to move into.

Laurie cleaning out the fridge.

The guys had 2 beasts to wrangle- the fridge and an armoir!

Helping pack up the kitchen!

Rah-Rah-GOOOO Team Tomlinson! (T-shirt is from their wedding, their initials JTL are the Atari logo.)

Jef- taking the doors off the fridge

Arts & Crafts, Part II

2010-04-22T11:28:00.001-05:00

Vanessa and I spied this across the room at a Mexican restaurant we ate at while in Texas. From where we were sitting it looked like a giant piece of paper that had been folded, cut snowflake style and then unfolded. However upon closer examination we determined it was a 55 gallon drum cut open and probably cut with a cutting torch.

Arts & Crafts, Part I

2010-04-21T11:33:00.000-05:00

I had lunch last week with friends Brenda & Donna - when Donna's little Lexi passed away I had asked her for a few mementos for a shadow box. Brenda printed off one of her photos for me and it all turned out perfect. Donna couldn't open it in the restaurant, but I hope that this piece reminds them of beautiful times instead of bringing sadness.

Planting!

2010-04-20T11:42:00.000-05:00

The other night we planted 24 tomato plants (3 kinds- cherry, roma & brandywine), 8 cantelope starts and 8 squash plants (butternut and buttercup).

We've determined our garden is far too small and think we will probably just till up most of the rest of the backyard. We have no dog and no kiddos, so why not!? :)

Trip to Denton, TX

2010-04-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

Vanessa and I took off late Thursday morning towards Denton, TX to attend the funeral service for our Great Granddaddy. We are both very fortunate to have flexible schedules that just allowed us to pick up and go. Jason & I attended a funeral for his great aunt the week before and Collin had also taken off the week before for a trip, so both guys stayed home to work.

Thursday evening was the visitation at the funeral home. There were probably at least 75 people there that night. That was also the hardest part emotionally- seeing my dad cry was difficult. As my mom pointed out to us girls, these were the grandparents that really made an effort to continue seeing he and his sister when their parent's divorced. (Dad was 9, Aunt Chris 6 when their parent's split.) Grandmother and Granddaddy still took them camping or came to visit year after year even thought they lived hundreds of miles from Spokane, WA. There were LOTS of camping memories shared at the service the next day.

I love this photo of Nessa- she purposely wore her cowboy boots to the funeral, sure enough lots of the men were in boots and jeans...I caught her petting the goats at our great aunt & uncle's house before we left!

Me, Great Grandmother & Vanessa

We asked - she said she has 24 great-grandchildren with another on the way (not counting spouses) and 1 great-great grandchild with another coming in June.

She and Granddaddy were married almost 75 years- they were married 6 weeks after their first date together!

Me & my cousin's wife, Kennah

Great Aunt Melvena shared at the funeral where her name came from, so we were talking about names at lunch and I asked where Kennah's had come from. She said it came from a magazine, but that she was going to be "Kanada August" before that! Yes, Kanada with a "K"!

Dad, my cousin Michael & his fiance, Megan- getting married this summer!

My mom & my Uncle Eric

Aunt Chris & her dad (my Grandpa Jeff)

My family with Grandpa Jeff & Grandma Alice from California

All the great grandsons still there after the meal- 4/6 of my cousins came

(Michael, Robert & Andrew on the left, Stephen on the right)

Dad, Great Grandmother & Grandpa Jeff- 3 Generations

Garden 2010

2010-04-16T16:42:00.000-05:00

Our garden is in the works!

I think we should have started our 'lasagna garden' last fall...however a project that started out as Jason's has become mine....so something got lost in translation and we didn't get started till Easter weekend.

Our pile of boxes from Kirklind's cardboard dumpster

We had to take all the packing tape off the boxes before we could use them for a garden.

(You like my cute jammies??)

Jason starting the 'lasagna' (1st layer is wet cardboard)

Then we raided a newspaper recycling dumpster (2nd layer is wet newspaper, 3rd layer is hay from my in-law's farm.)

I think at this point our 'lasagna' is supposed to alternate brown and green layers of compost, grass clippings, etc...however we didn't really get it all started in time, so this year we will plant through the cardboard into the ground. As we come to the end of this gardening season we will be adding compost, peat moss, leaves, etc.

My little plants are ready for a real home! (I started these mid February)

My only hope this year is that I plant enough stuff that something will produce for us! It's certainly a learning process and I have lots more to learn!

Great Granddaddy

2010-04-15T08:05:00.001-05:00

Grandaddy, Grandmother, me, Jason, Mom & Dad- at our wedding October 2006

(These are my Dad's grandparents)

I'm headed to Denton, TX with my sister today- our Great Grandfather passed away on Tuesday. (I think he was 95). We will meet up with my parents and TONS of other family there for the visitation and service.

My mom & dad went Easter weekend to visit them- here's an excerpt from my mom's post trip email - April 5th:

Just to check in about our trip to see Grandmother and Granddaddy:

We spent most of Saturday w/ Grandmother. it's kind of funny, but it's kind of like a mark of status at the Retirement Home to have guests at your table in the dining room. She was walking around introducing us to all her usual table mates. Saturday afternoon we all went to the Rehab Center to visit Granddaddy. He is staying a nice place, no funny/horrible nursing home smell. Very clean and well run place. He was in bed when we arrived, completely groggy. Not sure, but was possibly drug induced. We couldn't seem to connect w/ him in any meaningful way by usual conversation or hand holding. So, I asked Grandmother if he had some favorite songs and ended up singing to him for about the next 20 minutes, hymns that he loves. Well, his whole presence changed, his color improved, his hands warmed up, his eyes started to focus and he started to crack just a tiny bit of a smile at the end of one of the songs. He was finally "there". So we ended up having a good visit.

Granddaddy has been on the rehab wing since his admission to the facility about 2 months ago....recovering from a terrible episode of back pain. However his rehab days allotted by medicare have come to an end and he will be moved to another wing today.....which is more geared towards long term care and maintenance. He doesn't seem to be in the terrible pain now, but it's been good for the staff to get him up and into his wheelchair to sit for part of each day. I'm thinking he might be spending more time in bed from here on out. They are managing his moods and behavior via medication and so he has had some undesirable side-effects develop, which involve involuntary movements of his limbs and facial muscles. I hope these are not permanent. Some of the medications are being discontinued due to these side-effects. Others are being tried. The prevailing "wisdom" of the day in nursing care is not to rely so much on literal physical restraints to manage undesirable behaviors, (since the part of the brain that manages impulsive behaviours seems to be less functional and every idea seems good at the moment) ...but chemical restraints and medication to manage the patients are thought to be more desirable. .....So, hence we come in for a visit and find Granddaddy unable to be alert or awake very much at all., It's very tough.

Grandmother however seems to be alright most of the time. Although she did break down and cry during Easter Service when the congregation sang Granddaddy's favorite hymn "He Lives!" realizing that this was the first time he wasn't beside her in church to sing it. Even the worship leader, seeing Grandmother cry, began to sympathize with her and could barely struggle through to the end of what is normally meant to be a joyful and triumphant song celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord. I thought the worship leader was going to end up in tears.

Easter Colors

2010-04-13T15:12:00.001-05:00

We spent Easter Sunday (ok, so I'm a little behind on my blogging) with my mom's parents and Collin & Vanessa...Nessa took most of these photos and I told her any pics on my camera are fair game for my blog! (Including the self portrait ;) Somehow Grandma missed being in any pics, bummer!

I think we look like colored easter eggs here :)

Me & my sister bear

Nessa & Collin

Miss Cutie Pie

Grandpa Ross- coming up on his 81st birthday this month!

Pizza Picnics!

2010-04-12T18:54:00.000-05:00

We don't eat out very often just the 2 of us- just kind of the way we are- however the past two weeks we've done something different:

Bellacino's Pizza at 96th & Riverside is pretty darn tasty...and a large 1 topping pizza is 11.96 with tax. An easy date for the two of us!

Last night we called ahead and ordered our pizza, picked it up and had a picnic at Riverparks.

We stayed long enough to watch the sunset over the river, which is surprisingly pretty if you know what the Arkansas River typically looks like!

Comment's

2010-04-12T14:39:00.004-05:00

I love blogging and am thankfully not driven by comments...since I hardly ever get any....but I did get a really nice one this past week that I just have to share:

I'm new to blogger.com & just found your blog last night. I have really enjoyed looking over your site & find it sooo refreshing to find a young lady WANTING to learn all those thrown-by-the-wayside traditions. Most young ladies these days have no interest in being a keeper at home. I commend you & look forward to following your blog. :)

~Amy

P.s. Though I've just started my blog and don't have much there yet, you can follow it atsweetteaandfellowship.blogspot.com
if you'd like.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today I also got a Facebook chat from a gal I knew in high school youth group - I appreciate when someone stops to tell me that they read my blog. I'm ALWAYS surprised as to who it is since I get so few comments! BTW- if you're in need of a wedding planner I hear Erica's pretty great! (http://www.erica-weddings.com)

Erica Stephenson S...

Clear Chat History
2:28pmErica
hey....just wanted to let you know that i'm a big fan of your blog

Thanks to Amy & Erica!! You made my day!

Whoever came up with evolution...

2010-04-08T04:00:00.003-05:00

...was not a homemaker. I'm 100% positive.

As a Christian I obviously don't believe we got here by evolving...however the most practical explanation as for why evolution is a bunch of mumbo jumbo is shown through simple housekeeping.

If you are the keeper of your home I'm sure you've noticed by now that things do not evolve into a state of order...

but rather disorder.

Even the most clean and neat people, and I'd like to consider myself one of those, are constantly having to work at a clean home. No one's laundry magically get's to the hamper->washer->dryer->closet on it's own. No one's cupboard's regularly clean themselves out. No one's floors sweep themselves. Pet hair in no way walks itself from the couch to the trash. Papers never file themselves. Recycling doesn't jump to the curb.

Ok you get the picture.

Someone* has to work at orderliness around here!

P.S. Do you know any other 25 year olds with as many mixing bowls as me!? ...sometimes they are all being used at once! That usually means my kitchen is in a major state of disorder! haha!

* Me

I wish this upon no one:

2010-04-07T17:33:00.004-05:00

I wish upon no one that they be a PRO at changing flat tires....a PRO because they've changed so many, anyways!

This was flat tire #2 for Jason in 7 days time...the highway patrol guy who came by was a real smart aleck about having to change a flat tire in the dark. If only he knew that my husband could probably change a tire while blindfolded! I'm pretty sure Jason's had 5-6 flat tires in the 5 years I've known him. I've only had one. He came and changed it in the rain for me too! (That was before I had roadside assistance. If you have an AT&T cell phone- you have no excuse for not having roadside assistance. It's a whopping $3 per month through them! Call and get it set up today!)

For Locals with Kiddos:

2010-04-07T15:51:00.004-05:00

My friend, Brenda, is having a cute spring photo session in a couple Saturdays- call her if you want pics of your kids! She's awesome!

(click to enlarge)

P.S. She and I went antique hunting a couple weeks ago- this was her find of the the day- an antique baby bed!

THAT'S My King!

2010-04-04T09:10:00.001-05:00