Big Chick's B-day

This weekend was really busy. It was our oldest daughter's 9th birthday!!

I really cannot believe it's been nine years already. I will never forget the day she was born and they wheeled her into my room for the first time. I was getting ready to eat my breakfast and I was alone and I felt this panic...like oh no what am I supposed to do with her. I just want to eat my breakfast:) It was so surreal, being a mother. I really kept having to tell myself over and over for that first year that I am a MOM! It's so true that feeling of love that makes you feel like you are going to burst.
Anyway nine years later here we are going roller skating, hanging with friends...making sweet memories. As a parent it's a constant barrage of memories. I remember my roller skating party and now it's my daughter's turn...weird.

(The gang's all here)

Desperate Housewives

I'm not sure if any of you caught the January 18th episode of Desperate Housewives, but it was oh so good. I'm a little slow, I have a DVR and finally got around to watching it last night. It was seriously the best episode of that show I've ever seen. I couldn't believe how good the writers did at making it compassionate and fairly "wholesome". Except for the one scene where Edie seduces the handyman. How can she possibly look that good?? I had to rewind. She is just in the best shape ever... Holy Cow! The episode was about their handyman Eli Scruggs. He passes away and it recalled from each woman their memories of how he shaped their lives. It was such a great reminder of the impact each one of us has on the lives of those around us. Anyway I want to be like Eli Scruggs. Instead of minding my own business, I want to care about others and to make a point of listening and helping when I can. If you missed this episode and want to watch it you can view it on ABC.com. It's called "The Best thing that ever could have happened", episode 13. It's definitely worth the time...so good:)

Butterflies

This is the very first piece I did in my art class. I found a painting in a Pottery Barn kids catalog that I loved and "tried" to reproduce it. It was my first attempt at watercolor. I used acrylic paints and watered it down to achieve an almost tie-dyed look. You can't really see it, but the butterfly wings have glitter on them. My art teacher framed it for me and now it hangs in my daughter's room.

hunt & gather

Today was a fun day. Missy and I were on the hunt for a cheap sidetable to put in my "new" piano room. First stop was the American Red Cross donation center and then on to one of my all time favorite stores Hunt and Gather Antiques in Edina. It's located on Xerxes and 50th. It is just a plethora of all things old and unusual. If you are looking for something specific you will probably find it here.
And so I did. This is an old sewing machine table. Perfect size for what I wanted. It will go under the big Amsterdam picture and will be a great spot for my morning coffee. I'm sure I'll redo it with some painting and distressing. But now I'm on the hunt for some funky knobs. I'll post the before and after pictures when I'm done painting it.

It's a little hard to make out all of the unique items in the pictures above, but in person it's really neat. I just love the way they merchandise the antiques. It's usually in a way that you would never think to use it. Very cool and retro.
After shopping it was off to lunch at Salut. A yummy French bistro known for their "french fries". I have to say it was a really fun day.