My Family Begins

SITE HAS MOVED

2010-12-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

This site has moved. You can now follow me at

http://www.livingfoxy.com/

2010-11-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

I dread getting family photos taken and I only have one child. I can't imagine what it must be like for those of you that have several. This year we had my friend April Haymore take our photos at the State Fair and Little L was being a pill...we tried ice, cotton candy, snacks and we were able to get a few good shots but it was difficult. April was a good sport and she did an amazing job.

HAPPY DAYS

2010-11-05T13:12:00.001-07:00

Little L is so happy all the time. She is so much fun and I'm so glad I have her in my life!

2010-10-13T07:31:00.001-07:00

I was excited to find these paintings on Etsy by Vallerie Galloway. My love for art has increased significantly now that I have walls to hang them.

2010-10-12T10:11:00.002-07:00

I love beautiful photography! I found these on Flickr.

2010-09-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

O.k. look at these amazing items I found on ebay 1. Mirror

2. Coffee Table 3. Chair. I absolutely love the old Hollywood Regency look.

2010-09-05T12:57:00.002-07:00

Check out the new Ottoman my husband made me for my birthday. I have walked into my living room at least 10 times in the last 24 hours to check it out. I love it!

2010-09-03T16:53:00.002-07:00

2010-09-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Little L wanted to wish you a Happy Labor Day. O.k. not really; her Mom made her dress up in a dress from her childhood as she made weird faces following her around the house with her camera and now her Mother wants to show off the photos.

2010-09-03T10:26:00.001-07:00

I have been obsessing over this rug for awhile now and finally found a deal on... hmm, should I tell you...nope, not gonna do it. I can't wait to be the proud owner.

Saw this painting on Black Eiffel and I fell in love. How cool would it be if the silvers were in metallic? O.k., I've been in a metallic phase for about a year now hopefully the phase stays for awhile because I'm using it everywhere.

2010-09-03T08:52:00.003-07:00

2010-09-01T10:26:00.004-07:00

2010-08-27T08:49:00.002-07:00

Creative Geniuses

2010-08-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

I love Silhouettes

2010-08-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Little L is getting so big! What happened to my little baby?

2010-08-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I sit in my office wondering what it would be like to stay at home with my little girl, go on lunch dates, be part of a jogging group and then I remember...

"When you can't have what you want, it's time to start wanting what you have. "

Kathleen A. Sutton

2010-08-21T11:53:00.003-07:00

I found this in an old yearbook and thought it was funny. Click on image to view.

2010-08-17T10:02:00.001-07:00

I don't know if any of you have been following Design star but I have and I love it. I liked Emily's style from the beginning. HGTV has been needing a star that can pull of urban chic and she's the perfect canidate. I love what she does with this space; spacially she nailed it. I wish you could see how she pulled off the rest of the room because it was amazing. I really hope she wins the final challenge because like I said, she would be a great addition to the HGTV line-up.

2010-08-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

I love Wisteria! These pieces are so unique and timeless.

2010-08-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

I'm coveting these Lauren Moffatt pieces.

2010-08-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

Friday evening we celebrated Little L's first birthday. The first year of her life has flown by and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you all for celebrating with us and Chester ( pic above) thank you for giving Little L a flag football game for her birthday; strange gift but we love you anyway.

FLASHBACK

2010-08-04T08:19:00.005-07:00

Little L loves listening to this song, she laughs every time she hears gadamush gadamush will you do the bandando

DIY

2010-08-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Towel Bedskirt

Coffee Filter Art

Photo Wreath

Wire Basket Lamp

2010-07-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

Why can't Jcrew make clothing in Little L's size? Isn't their clothing so adorable?

MAD MEN MIRTH

2010-07-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for the season premier.

2010-07-23T22:38:00.002-07:00

I still have a few things left to do:

1. Paint Island black
2. buy some Bertoia bar stools
3. buy new stainless steel hardware for cabinets
4. buy antler chandelier and paint white

2010-07-23T22:35:00.001-07:00

The living room is a work in progress. I still need a rug, a new coffee table, artwork and some table decor. Anyone have any ideas?

2010-07-19T12:12:00.004-07:00

FLASHBACK

My Mother (right) in some Indian garb, back when she was an outlaw.

Pasta With Zucchini and Ham

2010-07-15T08:21:00.008-07:00

I made this last night and it was delicious.

Cook Time:25 min Level: Easy Yield: 4 servings

2010-07-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

So creative. I think Little L needs a swing in her playroom.

2010-07-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

Just a few more from photos from my trip

2010-07-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

P90X

Today is my second day and boy do I miss

Dr. Pepper:(

As you can see my stomach needs a little work. I will keep you posted on my results.

2010-07-06T10:24:00.003-07:00

Durango Colorado 2010

2010-06-27T11:31:00.003-07:00

Phoenix- If I ever feel better press play to listen
If I Ever Feel Better by Phoenix

More Phoenix music on iLike

2010-06-24T08:11:00.002-07:00

2010-06-22T17:11:00.002-07:00

What do you think of the mirrored dresser I put in my entryway?

2010-06-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

I painted half of the wall in the playroom and then Andy put some molding around it. It was a big hit with my nieces.

2010-06-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

I finally found a solution for my vintage plates and candlesticks.

2010-06-17T09:05:00.002-07:00

Beautiful Wallpaper

I love the Platner table.

Lovely industrial kitchen

Photos courtesy of Lonny Magazine

2010-06-16T12:59:00.001-07:00

record bowl

I can't find the how to on this one.

army men bowl

I really want to make one of these. If any of you attempt to make one of these designs please share the photos.

2010-06-15T23:36:00.003-07:00

I'm so thankful for my mustache babies.

2010-06-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

For all you online shoppers check out Bing cashback

2010-06-15T08:49:00.002-07:00

I love the wall art in this room, so fabulous.

I have been looking for a tv stand for my room and I love this one.

2010-06-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Flashback

2010-06-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

I heard this book review today and was inspired to bake some bread. I'm a little embarressed to admit this but I have actually never baked a loaf of bread. This recipe looks a little challenging but I'm always up for a challenge

William Alexander's Recipes

Peasant Bread

Ingredients:

400 grams unbleached all-purpose or bread flour

260 grams levain (see Building a Levain)

60 grams whole wheat flour

30 grams whole rye flour

13 grams salt

292 grams water (room temp)

1/8 teaspoon instant yeast (also called bread machine, fast-acting, or Rapid-Rise yeast)

Prepare the dough

1. At least 2 hours before beginning (you can do this the night before), feed levain as follows: Remove levain from refrigerator and add equal parts flour and room-temperature water (I use about 130 g each, which replenishes what I'll be using in the bread). Stir/whip well, incorporating oxygen, and leave on the countertop, with the cover slightly ajar. Starter should be bubbling and lively when you begin your bread.

2. Place a large bowl on your scale and zero out the scale. Now add the flours, one at a time, zeroing out the scale after each addition. Separately weigh and add the salt. Add the levain, a dash of instant yeast, and the water.

3. Mix thoroughly with a wet hand until the dough is homogeneous. Mist a piece of plastic wrap with vegetable oil spray, press it directly onto the dough, and leave the dough to autolyse for 20-25 minutes.

Kneading and fermentation

4. Knead by hand 7-9 minutes (see my kneading video if you've never kneaded before). If you insist, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 2-3 minutes. Knead until dough is elastic and smooth.

5. Clean out and dry the mixing bowl (no soap), mist with vegetable oil spray, and replace the dough. Place the oiled plastic wrap back onto the dough. Ferment at room temperature (68 -72 degrees is ideal) for 4 to 5 hours.

Form and proof the boule

6. Using your hand or a flexible pastry scraper, remove the dough to a floured countertop.

7. Gently press down to form a disk about an inch thick. Try not to press out the gas bubbles or fuss with it too much.

8. Fold the edges into the center. Move around the disk several times, pulling and gathering, tighter and tighter, trying to create some surface tension, as you form a ball. Finish with a just few seconds of half-rolling, half-dragging across the floured countertop, moving the boule in a tight circular motion.

9. If you don't have a banneton or basket for proofing boules, simply line a kitchen colander with a well-floured linen napkin and place the boule inside, seam side up.

10. Cover with same piece of plastic wrap and set aside to proof, 1½ to 2 hours. While dough is proofing, place a baking stone in lower third of oven, and an old cast iron skillet or pan on the bottom shelf. Preheat oven to its highest setting.

Score and bake

11. After 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours, when the dough is proofed (another term for the second rise), it should have increased in volume by about half, and feel slightly springy. Transfer each loaf to a peel that is liberally sprinkled with rice flour or corn meal (or covered with a piece of parchment paper, but note that the paper will burn if you preheat the oven to 550 degrees F). Sprinkle the top of the loaf with rye or rice flour if you want that country "dusted" look.

12. Make several symmetrical slashes (or grignes) with your lame or razor. A "tic-tac-toe" grid is a good way for beginners to start.

13. Immediately slide loaf (including paper, if using parchment) onto stone and, wearing an oven mitt, add 1 cup water to skillet. Try to minimize the time the oven door is open.

14. Set oven temperature to 480 degrees F.

15. After 20-25 minutes, or when loaves have turned dark brown, reduce oven temperature to 425 degrees F.

16. Bake until loaves register 210 degrees F in center, about 50 to 60 minutes) with an instant-read thermometer, or until a rap on the bottom of the loaf produces a hollow, drum-like sound.

17. Return bread to oven, with oven off and door closed, for 10 to 15 minutes.

18. Remove bread to a rack and cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Building a Sourdough (the easy way!)

Levain, sourdough, starter...call it want you want — it is the secret to authentic, yeasty, artisan bread. San Francisco sourdough has, in a sense, given all sourdoughs a bad name, but most wild yeast starters are far milder and (to my palate) more pleasant as well.

When it comes to making a levain, there is as much superstition as science being spread around, and there are as many methods to create a levain as there are bakers. I suspect all of them work and all of them occasionally fail — the main difference is that some routines are more involved than others.

The nascent levain requires the most attention during its first couple of days, so if you're not around weekdays, make your apple water on Tuesday or Wednesday, and you can begin adding the flour on Saturday morning. I like to include a little whole wheat flour in the initial feedings, as it seems to give the starter a boost. See below for full instructions.

Prepare the apple water:

1.Let 1 quart of tap water sit out overnight to remove any chlorine.

a.Look for a hazy apple, preferably from a farm stand (the haze is wild yeast). Cut the apple into 1-inch chunks, and place, along with the peel of a second apple, into a container with 1 cup of the water. (Cover and reserve the remaining water for later.)

b.Let the apple and water sit covered, at room temperature, for 3 days, stirring daily. The mixture should be foaming a bit and smell a little like cider by the third day.

Build the levain:

Day 1

1.Combine 50 g of whole wheat flour (preferably organic) with 350 g unbleached all-purpose or bread flour.

2.Measure out 150 g of the apple water through a fine strainer and add 150 g of the flour mixture. Whip vigorously, scrape down the sides, and cover with a screen (a frying pan spatter screen is ideal) or cheesecloth.

3.Leave the levain at room temperature, whipping every few hours to incorporate air. It is important to keep the starter aerated during the first few days.

Day 2

1.Add 75 g of the reserved tap water and 75 g flour, whip, and leave at room temperature, covered as before, for another 24 hours, again whipping occasionally. You should see bubbles starting to form and the mixture increasing in bulk.

Day 3

1.Transfer levain to a clean 2-quart container. Avoid transferring any of the dried bits from the sides of the old container.

2.Add 75 g each of bread flour and reserved tap water, whip and cover as before.

3.If at any point of this process, the levain starts to smell a bit funky, discard half, replenish with flour and water and whip more frequently. If the levain seems limpid (not rising and bubbling), increase the frequency of feedings.

Day 4

1.Feed it once again, with the remaining 100 g of flour and 100 g water, let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, and your levain should be ready for use, although it will continue to develop flavor over the next few weeks. You can either use it in bread today or go to the next step.

2.Cover with an airtight lid, store in refrigerator, and follow the care and feeding directions below.

Care and feeding of your levain:

Like an infant, a levain gets easier to care for with age. Just observe the following guidelines:

1. Keep the levain in a covered container in the refrigerator.

2. For the first few weeks, feed twice a week as described in the next step; afterwards, a weekly feeding is sufficient.

3. To feed, stir thoroughly and discard about 250 g of levain. Replace with 125 g water (straight from the tap is fine at this point) and 125 g flour (unbleached bread or all-purpose), and whip with a spoon or plastic spatula. Leave the lid ajar (so gases can escape) at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours before tightly covering and returning to refrigerator.

4. If you are baking regularly, feeding is simply part of preparing the levain for the bread, and no other feeding is necessary. You should always feed the levain several hours or the night before making bread, so replenish with the amount of levain the recipe calls for, and you maintain a constant supply of fresh levain with no effort.

5. Occasionally clean out your container with hot water (never soap) to remove the crud that forms on the sides.

6. If you want a stronger levain, leave it out overnight once in a while, and feed with smaller "meals."

7. You may see a puddle of liquid forming on top, a product of fermentation. It can simply be stirred back in, but if you want to remove it, place the container of levain on your digital kitchen scale, and zero out. Pour off the liquid, return the levain to the scale and replenish with fresh water and just a little flour (in a ratio of about 3 to 1) until you're back at zero. Then feed as usual.

Bread

By E.J. Mudd

Mix flour, water yeast and salt.

If the phones rings, don’t answer.

Your fingers are a sticky mess.

Let dough rise in a nice, warm place.

If the phone rings, don’t answer.

You’re creating.

Knead till satiny. Divide into loaves.

If the phone rings, don’t answer.

You’re sculpting.

Bake in hot oven till crisp and brown.

If the phone rings, don’t answer.

You’re in aromatherapy.

Take out and eat a piece at once.

If the phone rings, don’t answer.

You’re in heaven.

Panis Angelicus.

2010-06-08T19:22:00.003-07:00

My family room is almost finished. I'm changing the paint color (I hate painting so it may never get done) and then that's it I'm going to stop thinking about it .

This house is already wearing me out.

Andy and my friend Josh tore apart the fireplace and put up the ivory quartz rock panels I purchased at Norstone and I'm pretty proud of them. It looks great and it really gives the room a more contemporary look.

2010-06-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have been working on getting the playroom finished. I bought the following items so far chalkboard paint white ikea furniture to put baskets of toys in, toys, rug and now I think I need this teepee.

2010-06-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

I bought this clock at Goodwill yesterday for $4.00. What do you think?

2010-06-03T08:52:00.002-07:00

Outdoor Bliss!

I found this lovely photo on coco+kelley.

2010-06-02T13:01:00.001-07:00

Zigi "Must Have" Sandal

Jcrew "Reese" sandals

Tory Burch Jellys

Lovin these summer sandals.

2010-06-01T12:25:00.001-07:00

Click Here
If you love crafts check out this site.

2010-05-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm still looking for a coffee table, side chair and side table. Anyone know of a place where I can find some cheap flea market finds?

2010-05-27T15:20:00.002-07:00

She's so much fun!

2010-05-26T10:48:00.001-07:00

I love this month's Anthropologie catalogue which was shot entirely in India.

2010-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

I bought a couple of these chippendale bamboo armchairs on ebay for my dining room and I love them! I'm in the process of getting pads made for the chairs and when their complete I will be showing them off.

2010-05-20T22:31:00.002-07:00

My life has been in overdrive lately. Between "new home projects", working and hanging out with my family, I rarely remember to take photos. As you can see, Little L is crawling now and trying to stand up. I can't believe how fast my baby girl is growing up...it's going too fast!

2010-05-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

9 months old and full of personality.

2010-04-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Today makes 4 years and I can honestly say these have been the best 4 years of my life.

2010-04-13T07:37:00.002-07:00

I'm always seeking new stations on Pandora. My latest love is French Cafe radio. I listen to French music at work and I constantly have the same daydream. I'm sitting alone outside a french cafe in Paris sipping mineral water and enjoying a hot plate of homeade bread. I sit with my big black chanel sunglasses watching the fabulous style Paris offers.

2010-03-24T12:11:00.001-07:00

Life has been crazy lately. I have been packing and packing and packing. I can't wait for this to be over. Just a few more days and we will be in our new home.

2010-03-17T13:12:00.002-07:00

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY

DESIGN INSPIRATION

2010-03-09T13:49:00.001-07:00

I just discovered a new cool blog! Check out http://betterafter.blogspot.com/

2010-03-06T00:36:00.007-07:00

\\

I'm already getting a little nostalgic, can you tell? I'm seriously going to
miss all the "first fridays", the cool cafe's, the wonderful people I've met and Cibo (my stomach will yearn for you).

2010-03-05T10:24:00.006-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Coop (old nickname) and I completed our home inspection and we will close on our home the end of this month. This Short sale has taken forever but it was worth it. We both got the house we wanted for a great price.

Now that the closing date is approaching I can't stop obsessing about decorating our new home. The two homes we have lived in have been decorated by me with little input from Mr. Coop. I like contemporary furniture and for the most part he likes it too. He however has decided that our Master Bedroom should be a retreat. He likes the white hampton look. I had a more hollywood glamour idea for our room but what my baby wants my baby gets...ha ha. Actually, I don't mind the Hampton or Costal chic style. So here are some of the images I have pulled from my style file. I like bits and pieces of each room. What do you think?

This was the style I was going for, except I wanted gold accessories and a better looking pendant light.

This is my compromise minus the wallpaper and the green chair. Maybe I'll add some wainscoting.

2010-02-17T21:11:00.014-07:00

Mexico is always so much fun.

Beautiful!

These beach salesmen were so relentless.

There was a wedding going on close to our condo in Mexico. I sat on the beach listening to this mariachi band for awhile. I don't usually like mariachi bands but these guys were pretty good.

Little L and I enjoying the beach in Mexico

We have been spending a lot of time outside because the weather has been in the high 70's

Notice I have a hat but I didn't bring one for my little girl who hasn't been out in the sun for longer than 20 minutes...poor girl.

My 2 favorite people

2010-02-11T08:37:00.003-07:00

I finally got my camera back! I will be extra careful with it now that I know it takes Canon at least a month for repairs plus they charge you an arm and a leg.

I went to the Desert Botanical gardens (love that place) last week to take some engagement pictures for a friend and of course I couldn't resist taking a few shots of Little L, I love taking pictures of her because I can always get her to smile or laugh. I'm so glad I have a happy baby.

2010-02-01T20:12:00.005-07:00

James just got home from the Carlsbad, CA mission so Andy, Little L and I spent the weekend in Utah. I was so excited to see him and enjoy his sweet spirit. James has always been a very happy child who really loves and enjoys people so I think I speak for everyone in my family when I say were so glad he's home.

2010-01-15T13:19:00.005-07:00

My camera lens cracked a couple of months ago and so I sent my camera to Canon and I still haven't gotten it back yet. I'm going crazy. Anyways, here are some more sites I have found in my hunt for home ideas.

You have to see the before! Check out www.lifeinthefunlane.com it's the 1970's china cabinet.

I love the fireplace, ceiling beams the chandeliers and the big comfy white chair next to the fireplace. Photos are courtesy of http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/.

2010-01-12T09:58:00.006-07:00

I haven't been blogging lately because I have been house hunting for the last couple of weeks. I have now looked at over 175 homes; some of the homes have been in Scottsdale, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, Mesa and now I'm looking in Gilbert. I'm all over the map but I think we'll end up in Gilbert. I really wanted Arcadia but I just can't afford the homes I want. You really can get a lot for your money in Gilbert. I think I have found the one I love but I won't post any pictures because it's a short sale and if I don't get it I don't want to have any reminder of what I could have had. I have been looking at decorating ideas so I'll share some of them with you.

I'm re-doing my formal dining room chairs and I'm not

sure what fabric to re-upholster them with. I have a lot

of gold and white accents. I was thinking maybe a punch of

green. I still haven't decided.

photo courtesy of mydesigndump.blogspot.com you have to

check out the other photos of this office to fully appreciate this

room. I love the coffered ceiling and the grey and white ceiling with

the black walls.

I liked the wood work and the table in the dining room.

I'm not a fan of the rug or or the buffet table.

2nd New Years Resolution

2009-12-29T12:31:00.006-07:00

xcercise at least twice a week!

1st New Years Resolution

2009-12-28T14:02:00.009-07:00

uy a new home!

Family Photos 2009

2009-12-25T22:36:00.004-07:00

Photos taken by Celeste Smith www.celesteruthphotography.com

2009-12-20T21:12:00.003-07:00

I broke down and bought a larger Christmas tree this year because the other one was a disaster. This tree is so much better and bigger and it comes pre-lit. Thank goodness for pre-lit trees; that was always the least favorite part of decorating a tree.

My lovely Mom and ready for our family Christmas party

2009-12-17T08:05:00.018-07:00

This is the easiest wreath to put together. I went to a dry cleaner last year and bought a whole bunch of bags. I then cut the bags into straps and tied them to a wire hanger. My Mom and I made a few last year and they looked great.

Those carmels look delicious.

I don't really bake but I really like this idea.

I think my Mom and I will make a few of these this weekend.

2009-12-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

2009-12-09T12:09:00.010-07:00

I couldn't resist adding the hair

Fun Blogs

2009-12-09T12:09:00.007-07:00

I've been looking at the same blogs for quite awhile now and would like some more to look at. Any suggested blogs will be welcomed with love and consistent viewing.

1. http://francesblog.tumblr.com/
2. http://nicolehill.blogspot.com/
3. http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/
4. http://www.stephmodo.com/
5. http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/
6. http://www.finelittleday.blogspot.com/
7. http://www.amyfurstenau.blogspot.com/
8. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
9. http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/JaimeeRose/
10. http://jakandjil.com/blog/

2009-12-04T09:44:00.004-07:00

I love this tree skirt from Anthropologie but I don't want to spend $178.00 for a tree skirt. Do any of you know where I can find a fun tree skirt similar to this one?

For those of you that don't have plans tonight you should come check out Crafeteria. Frances Vintage hosts the event in there parking lot; usually there's 30 or more vendors and all the shops are open to browse.

Diane Birch - "Nothing But a Miracle"

2009-12-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Fun Etsy Finds

2009-12-01T13:24:00.007-07:00

I love letterpress calendars! This one will be my 2010 calendar very soon.

Advent calendar pouches, countdown to Christmas, re-useable year after year!

I have ordered several things from this seller and everything has been fantastic.

Make it simple for your guests to remember your wedding day with this save the date.Pick your own colors to coordinate with your wedding!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T15:16:00.005-07:00

Sara and Frank

Audrey and Demi

Frank and Christian

Grandma Poulsen, Little L and Joy

My tabletop decor courtesy of Martha Stewart's design team

Muslim Baby

2009-11-25T17:12:00.002-07:00

I don't know if any of you have been to H&M yet but they have baby clothes, maternity, men, women etc... it's a one stop shop. I stopped by there last night to pick up some warm winter attire she could wear to Utah and I found this hat. Does it get any cuter?

2009-11-23T21:32:00.004-07:00

A few weeks ago my mother-in-law took a 7th grade teaching job in Florence, AZ. Last night I was talking to her about her class and she was telling me about some of the crazy things the 7th graders were trying to pull; all of them brought me back to my 7th grade year. Why was I so horrible? One thing she mentioned that bothered me was the lack of dictionaries at her school. She had given an vocabulary assignment to her kids and a lot of them mentioned that they didn't have a computer or dictionary at home to look up the words and the classroom only had 2 dictionaries so most of them didn't get a turn to use it. My mother-in-law (Allene) said she told the principal that they needed more. The principal said they couldn't afford to give her a set because of the massive budget cuts. I think every classroom should have more than 2 dictionaries in their classroom. If any of you have any extra dictionaries that you don't mind giving away please let me know 480-678-2548.

2009-11-18T12:17:00.003-07:00

My baby is getting so big. I have been so bad at taking pictures lately and as a result I haven't been blogging. O.k. so I never had a chance to finish this post earlier today because of my many interuptions. I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-10-30T14:12:00.002-07:00

Happy Halloween Everyone!

2009-10-05T16:42:00.004-07:00

I've been trying for a week now to capture this smile.

2009-09-14T22:17:00.011-07:00

I haven't blogged in awhile, so hello to all of you who stop by and check out my blog. This month has been so much fun and I finally have a little time tonight to post some pictures.

Little L's first swim. Isn't she so classy? I love her 50's glamour pose...so sophisticated for her age. I also love that Andy's totally flexing...show off.

We asked my sister- in-law to snap a photo of us. Believe it or not this is the second photo we have together. I can't wait to have our family photo's taken professionally.

P.S. Like Andy's stache? He looks like a pedophile. Don't worry I only let him sport it for a week.

A couple of weeks ago I turned 30. For my birthday my husband let me have a spa day and then take me out to a nice resturaunt. After the spa we went and dropped Little L off at my sister-in- law's and then went to T Cooks for dinner. The next day we went over to my sister-in law's for dinner and she surprised me with these photos. Her best friend is a photographer and so she had her come over with all her props and they went to town. This was such a thoughtful birthday gift. Tears started welling up when I looked at the photos. I love Little L so much and the photos are so precious.

2009-09-01T14:46:00.006-07:00

Things I'm looking forward to

1. I'm looking forward to the day she stops crying for no apparent reason.

2. Buying some new fall outfits

3. Spending more quality time with me Little L.

3. Buying some new animal print shoes

4. Buying a new dress for fall.

2009-08-25T14:57:00.004-07:00

I had to doctor this photo a bit because I thought Little L looked like a boy in a dress. I added the crown because she's so demanding.

I'm so happy to be little L's Mom. I never thought I could love her as much as I do.

2009-08-13T13:30:00.009-07:00

The Nursery

I'm finally posting pictures of Little L's nursery. It took me a long time to decide on what colors to use; should I go with pink, purple, yellow? When I spotted the crib bedding I fell in love with the red, white and light blue. The colors were feminine, childish and light. I'm so happy with the outcome and now that Little L is here it's fun to get some use out of the room.

2009-08-07T21:29:00.007-07:00

Little L has arrived!

2009-07-27T17:18:00.005-07:00

NO BABY TODAY

Today I went to the hospital so ready to have this baby. The nurses hooked up my IV, asked me millions of questions, took my vitals and dressed Andy in his OR attire. We were so excited. Right before they took us into the OR they did a quick ultrasound to make sure the baby was still breech and sure enough little L had moved into the correct position. I was a little bummed for a few minutes but I'm glad that I will have a quicker recovery time and I don't have to deal with the scar.

Hopefully she comes soon! I'm hoping for a July baby.

2009-07-21T10:27:00.004-07:00

6 MORE DAYS

I found out last week that Little L is breech. I had a Dr. appt. yesterday and the physician could feel her little bum so I have scheduled a c-section for the 27th. I've been trying all sorts of ridiculous methods to get her to turn but this little girl doesn't want to move. I may have to spank her little bottom for giving her mommy a scar.

2009-07-17T14:10:00.007-07:00

The owner of Frances is opening a sweets shop. Check out Jaimee Rose's feature of Smeeks

2009-07-16T11:33:00.007-07:00

It's baby season right now so I thought I would share this site with all of you new mothers.

Photo Birth Announcements by Simply To Impress

2009-07-13T22:23:00.008-07:00

Here we are a couple of San Diego tourists posing in front of one of Sea World's finest exhibits. Just look at those beautiful massive whales.

I want to thank my my huge pregnant feet for not ruining my first time at Sea World. I was so pleased with their cooperation so I rewarded them to a pedicure the next day.

We went to church on Sunday and look who we ran into. It was so good to see you little brother:)

Thank you Grandpa Cooper for sponsoring another family vacation. Andy and I had a lot of fun.

2009-07-02T09:01:00.002-07:00

Lately I have been obsessed with Nautical themes. I created a Treasury on Etsy titled "Sail Away With Me". If you haven't checked out the Treasury's on Etsy; you should. They're a fun way to discover new items.

2009-06-29T09:41:00.006-07:00

I had some pregnancy photos taken a couple of months ago and I thought I would post a few of them for all of you. Judy Cook (who took the photos) did an excellent job!

2009-06-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

2009-06-25T09:19:00.008-07:00

I saw this pixie hat on "Etsy Storque" and I love it. I looked at the how- to PDF and then asked Andy's mom if she was up for the challenge. There is no way that I can attempt at making this. Here are the instructions for those of you who know how to knit.

P.S. Do you think Little L is going to look like a teletubby in this hat?