Up From Here.

the fall. 

When we moved Avey was still sleeping in her basinet and by six months old I promised myself that she'd be in her bed, in her own room. I however did not correctly calculate just how long it was going to take us to remodel our duplex. Avey is going to be six months old next week and poor little thing is still in her basinet. Her basinet that is made for a newborn. So when she pushes her feet against the bottom of the basinet her little body goes up and her head bumps against top. 

Needless to say... sister is not sleeping well.

So instead of putting her to bed in the basinet I had been letting her nap in our bed because there was so much more room. I would barricade her with pillows and position her in the middle of the bed--because sister likes to roll. 

Well she figured out how to throw the pillows off the bed and last week. I was in the computer room having a nice discussion with my Grandmother and I heard an unfamiliar child shriek. I looked outside because it was close, I heard it again, and I realized that it was Avey. I was up and sprinting, already piecing together in my mind what must have happened, and sure enough-- when I came into the room she was not in the center of the bed but on the floor amongst the pillows. 

She was wailing like a banshee. She was more shaken up than anything. She kept trying to calm herself by taking big gulps of air, she'd shudder, sniffle, and then break into hysterics again. I just held her tight and tried not to kick myself. I knew something like this was bound to happen sooner or later--I was just hoping for later... much much later. Like never. 

No soothing word could calm her so I placed her in my lap and offered to nurse her. She readily accepted my offer and after that she was fine. Little nose-- a little scratched. Little forehead-- a little red. But I don't know if that was from the fall or the way that she likes to turn herself over and rub her face into the carpet. 

She survived her first catastrophe as I am sure she will survive many many more throughout the years. 

sale. 

On my way out to Blue Ridge this weekend I passed a sign out front of one of the really big ranch homes that read "Sale". Intrigued I found a turn around. 

A sale?

What kind of sale? My mind reeled with all the possibilities. Maybe there was a little baby boutique back behind the trees. Maybe they were having a sale on all of their little girl things. 

Another sign! "Sale Today!"

A sale today?? Maybe they were selling antiques or jewelry or a lawn mower... Brady needs a lawn mower. Maybe it was a Pampered Chef sale!

I was so excited I missed the turnoff again and had to find another turn around. I was so excited the fact that I could be in danger did not even occur to me. I was out in the middle of nowhere, following signs that read "sale" back into someones private drive, without my husband... or his 22.

Luckily there was no repeat of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Saturday, May 12th. It was just a measly old garage sale. Disappointed I thought about turning back but I had already been spotted by an older woman so Avey and I went to go look around the sale. 

I'm glad we stuck around because I found a couple things that Brady and I have been needing! 

I purchased this old, solid wood, dresser for the bargain price of 30 dollars! The drawers slide in and out like new. Slap some paint on it and it'll be the envy of all the dressers in Blue Ridge. Seriously though. I'm in love. 

We purchased this entertainment center for 30 dollars too. The woman was so kind I didn't want to negotiate. Heck! She went on about how fabulous my baby was-- I would have given her more! I am going to sand this piece and stain it a deep dark cherry. It's going to be so lovely!

crinkle. 

I don't know why we have so many toys for little one. The only thing she wants to play with is this empty water bottle. She is obsessed. 

water bottle tricks.

mothers day.

My very first mothers day was very special. Brady and I had decided to postpone festivities till later this week so we could get more work done on the duplex. I was not expecting breakfast but my wonderful husband snuck out of bed early to prepare a feast. 

I was spoiled with garage sale furniture, a brand new shiny baby crock pot, a set of girly tools, and my Grandma and Grandpa gave me a cook book that I'd been eyeing for awhile. 

Avey and I took a stroll to the grocery store on mothers day and she fell asleep in her stroller. Walking to the grocery store is going to become a regular occurrence I think. 

two peas in a pod.

lowes.

We've been to Lowes 93592384 times lately. Last time we saw this:

chill.

Living with my Grandparents has been a blast. We all get along so well. 

Apartment living is no life for little ones. Avey lights up every time we take her outside. 

in love.

We are in such a cool season of life right now. Starting a family, building a life, working on fulfilling our dreams-- I can not say that when I was younger this is the life that I imagined. But I can say that this is the life that God designed for me and it fits like a glove. 

Colors have never been more vivid. Love has never been so sweet. The world has never looked so beautiful. 

I am young and I am in love with Brady, and Avey, and life.

I am filled with anticipation for our future together because I know we only go up from here.

Grandma and Grandpa's House

burn baby burn!

My Grandparents have this 8923859 year old toaster that burns toast if you don't watch it and eject it manually. Today marks week two of our stay with them and until this morning I had not burned a single piece. We're talking smoking, crispy, solid black toast. 

Blessed to have a Grandpa who wants to eat it anyway. 

bookworm.

Grandma and Grandpa's favorite computer game is called bookworm. My Grandpa's laptop is kept open on the counter at all times and throughout the day-- as we all walk by we love to pause life and find words in the jumbled mess of tiles. 

garden.

Life is simpler at Grandma and Grandpa's. Though busier than ever life is slower paced and I find lots of meaning in doing simple tasks like laundry. I cannot wait to begin piecing our new house together but moving out of my Grandparents is going to be bittersweet. Brady and I are truly enjoying ever moment of our time with them.

They have the most beautiful garden. They make due with the space the have and they've created something wonderful. They grow flowers in their front yard and tomatoes in the back. 

My Grandma was excited to show us how wild berries began growing in their yard. Deliciously tangy, I love picking the ripe ones in the morning. It fills a desire in my heart that I discovered recently. I really have an interest in things that grow. I am glad that the Lords timing is a little inconvenient sometimes. If closing on the duplex had been easier we wouldn't be sharing this time with them now. Today I am grateful for unanswered prayers. 

Faithful stewards of the things that they have been given-- my grandparents spend a lot of time working in their yard. It inspires me to get off my butt and do something. They keep themselves busy with meaningful tasks and take pride in their accomplishments-- it inspires me to take more pride in my own. 

day to day. 

We seem to have been doing  a lot of running back and forth lately. I enjoy the late night and early morning rides on the windy country roads. Driving through the country is a spiritual experience. There is great opportunity to sing, reflect, and worship the creator of the divine eye candy that surrounds me daily (Brady Williams... I kid. I kid.). 

  

Avey has adjusted to our new helter skelter life well enough. She likes to play with her toys, watch her Einsteins, take lots of mini naps, and be held. 

sneak peak of our new home :D

Brady and I like to sit around and talk about how awesome she is. 

sew.

Yesterday my Grandma taught me how to patch jeans and today I am learning how to hem. Maybe they'll adopt us and we'll stay with them forever. 

Fire Fire Fire!

home.
Oh boy does it feel good to sit behind a desk, editing pictures, and thinking about all the new things I have to share. It feels good to type-- the clicking of the keys is like music to my ears. Over the last two weeks Brady and I have moved in with my Grandparents, packed and moved all of our things to Blue Ridge, painted every square inch of our new home (ceilings and closets included), and last weekend we started ripping out carpet to prepare the way for our new floors.

I kid you not-- I thought we'd have the entire house painted in the first day. Obviously I've never painted anything in my life. It is coming along--slowly but surely and with every brush stroke it become a little bit more like home.

fussy bussy.
People ask me all the time "does she ever cry?"....

I always want to say something sarcastic like "No. Does yours? Something must be wrong with it."

But I don't because I'm nice. I just laugh and say "does she ever!"

The truth is that Brady and I are incredibly blessed. She is such a sweet baby. She loves to be held and tends to fuss when I put her down--but I know that's my doing. She sleeps through the night. She likes to be in her car seat, watch Baby Einstein, and be sung to.

My sweet darling turned into a little terror when it was time to start packing. About halfway through her Einsteins this is what we encountered:

She cried real tears and everything. Moving with a 5 month old isn't fun. Painting with a 5 month old isn't fun.

She cries.

It is heart breaking.

We are both very ready to get unpacked and all moved in.

fire fire fire.
My brother Kyle (number 3 of 7) graduated from the Fire Academy the day before we moved so I haven't been able to gush yet.

He has worked so hard over the past few years--trying to better himself so he can make a lovely little life for his beautiful fiance Sarah. They are getting married in July and our family can't wait to grow once more.

I am pretty sure Kyle is the smartest. He studied ruthlessly for exams and memorized countless definitions as he worked full time as a shift supervisor at a local pizza joint. He put himself through school without government grants or student loans. He succeeds at whatever he puts his mind to while dazzling others with his quirky sense of humor and boyish charm.

Obviously he was named Valedictorian of his class.

We all showed up to support him-- as is customary for out tight knit family unit.

I am so proud of my siblings and the people we are all becoming.

We ended the night with chips, salsa, and margaritas. Perfection.