I will resume with the house tour on Monday, as I decided to spend the weekend playing with little Finn and spending time with my family.




I hope you all have a lovely weekend!
I will resume with the house tour on Monday, as I decided to spend the weekend playing with little Finn and spending time with my family.




I hope you all have a lovely weekend!
We took Finn on his first outdoor picnic today. The weather was perfect and we found a shady spot to sit and play.

We weren’t sure quite what to think of the bumpy grass and quilt to sit on…

We explored a little and watched Hannah chase her ball.

We read books…


And Hannah listened too…

We had lunch under the trees.


We goofed off a bit…



And giggled some too…


And we played in the grass…


And Dad raised me up as high as the trees…

I love to watch the leaves blow in the wind…

Such a fun day….

Sorry I’ve been a bit out of touch lately. I’ve had a hectic January and I still feel like my to do list is a mile long. My design business always gets a big boost at the beginning of the year, as it seems everyone wants a fresh new look for the fresh new year. It’s great for me, but it was a bit challenging trying not to turn away clients, and somehow find the time to be a stay at home mommy with Finn too, and of course there is that January 31st tax deadline that always creeps up on me. But somehow, thankfully, I’ve managed to stay afloat.
Josh turned the big 4-0 this month. His parents hosted a big party for him, and I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself, so that was fun. Finn turned six months on Josh’s birthday. We celebrated with a trip to the doctors office for vaccinations. So not what Finn had in mind. Poor baby. He remembers that doctors office each time now, and he does NOT like it.
Little Finn is growing like a weed. He is starting to sit on his own now too. Today he lasted about seven or eight minutes and I was so impressed I ran to get my camera, and just as I was ready to snap the photo, he tumbled over. Ha! I think he planned it that way. :)
I did capture this sweet (but brief) moment while he sat unassisted a few days ago.

He’s sitting in his new playroom I am working on. :o) I decided since we’ve lived here for six years and the guest room has never been more than a room for our cats, that Finn needed more room for his toys. It’s still a work in progress, but I promise to show pictures when I’m ready.

Here he is in my office the other day sitting in his very own chair. :o)


In other news, something pretty exciting happened this month. I was contacted by the Nate Berkus show and asked if I wanted to be a part of their “House Proud” segment for an upcoming show. I, of course, shrieked yes! The next day I was overnighted a video camera and asked to get the footage shot and returned within a day or two. I just about died. Does anyone have their home “camera ready” on that short of notice? lol… I hope I’m not the only one. I begged them to give me the weekend, and they agreed.
Josh and I cleaned frantically and I tried to hide all the clutter so I could meet the deadline and not pass up the opportunity. But man, I was so stressed trying to fit it into my already hectic January that I caught a terrible cold. My voice was so strained on camera, and I think I managed to fumble my lines just about every take.
I was told it will air this Friday, February 3rd. Talk about quick turn time! I am so excited and nervous! I looked it up online and it’s the episode with Katherine Heigl talking about “motherhood and Hollywood”. I just adore her! Grey’s Anatomy is one of my top five favorite shows.
Here’s a picture of my clean living room all gussied up for Nate Berkus!

I took a TON of pictures that day, so I’ll share them in a week or so after the show airs. You’ll have to tune in and let me know what you all think. His show is on at 3pm weekdays on NBC. Eeek!
Make sure you watch for Finn waving goodbye to Nate in the end. He’s so excited to be on t.v. too…lol… Josh decided he didn’t want to be on camera, so he never did make an appearance. :o)
Whew! What a whirlwind this Christmas was for us. Every year Josh and I go to four separate events, two on Christmas Eve, and two on Christmas. With large families, this is somewhat inevitable… and this year was no exception. And to no surprise, toting along a five month old certainly made it challenging. :o)
Christmas Eve always starts at my Dad’s house in Huntington Beach. My sister, Ginger, was born on Christmas so we always celebrate her birthday that day as well. Finn was trooper, but did have a minor melt down, so needless to say, my photo taking was put on the back burner. I did manage to capture these two moments, which almost make up for the lack of photos….


Then it was on to Josh’s parents house for Christmas with his Mom’s side of the family. I’m sad to say, I didn’t get a single picture there. We had fun none the less, and Finn sure made out! You should see the “loot” he came home with!
Christmas morning at our house, we were up bright and early. Finn woke up at six, and although he will usually go back to sleep for an hour or so, it’s almost as though he knew Santa came, and he was WIDE awake. So, Josh and I were more than willing to open presents. And of course, Hannah was excited as well. I did capture a few pictures to share, but the lighting was terrible, so you’ll have to forgive the yellowy glow and soft focus….

Then it was on to Josh’s grandparents house for breakfast with his Dad’s side of the family…. and again (shame on me) I didn’t take pictures…
After breakfast, we were back home and ready to host Christmas dinner for my side of the family. I chose to just enjoy the moments, and didn’t even care about not getting pictures. :o)
I feel like I am still recovering, although we already took down our tree and Christmas decor. Finn is LOVING all his new toys, especially his gift from great Grandma Duckett….

I mean look at the smiles that talking, dancing and clapping dog gets….

And I am so proud to say that Finn is now rolling over all on his own. He did it for the first time on Tuesday and we were just so excited! He seems to have mastered the skill, as he has done it over and over again since then…. just look at that proud face!
Warmest of holiday wishes to all of you, and all my best in the exciting year ahead!
because of few of you asked to see the pics with Santa….
and because I can’t help but share pictures of Finn….

