from the archives

when the babies were babies

{after a really muddy trip to the dog park}

24 today

So excited that today is my birthday. 

So excited that I will be in Costa Rica for my birthday.

I am going to unplugged for the next week or so. 

I know that this is going to be good for me.

Until then, take care of yourselves...

sweet baby james

I took a half day off work today to travel up to NKY to meet sweet baby James.

Around 4:00 am on 3.24.10, my dearest friends Cory and Dusty welcomed their first child into the world.

I was so excited to be able to meet him before E and I leave tomorrow for Costa Rica. 

When I saw him today, I just kept thinking "he's so new." I'm not sure if that's the way most people describe a baby, but that's what kept coming to my mind. 

A couple of hours after baby James entered the world, his mother Cory, sent out a message saying "he's perfect." As I drove to work that morning I kept thinking about that and how God truly knit James together perfectly. I usually not a mushy or even a baby person, but I cried thinking about it.

He is perfect. 

  

While I hung out with him, I also took advantage of the opportunity to test out the new fixed 50mm lens E bought me for my bday {which is tomorrow}!!

Here are a few of my favorite shots ...

 

Sweet baby James: 

I can't wait to watch you grow up. I can't wait to watch my future babies play with you. You have two of the most amazing parents in the world. They are going to love you, care for all your needs, teach you the Word of God, and grow you into a faithful follower of Christ.

  You're going to be a real heart breaker...

kristian's art

I am really excited to share this post with you all! 

Not to long ago, I used this picture in one of my posts. 

 

I think that I was sharing how much of a hoarder he is :) Anyways, I love this picture! E and I's good friend Kristian took it while we were on a backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains. 

Since I love the picture so much, you can only imagine how excited I was when I saw these paintings sitting on our counter last week.

Not only does Kristian take great pictures, he also paints! 

He used the picture of E in the Smokies as inspiration for this painting.

You can see more of his work here.

Not to long ago, I shared about how I wanted each thing in our house to have meaning and memories with it. 

This is exactly what I was talking about!

Thanks Kristian!!

a few new things around stella bella boutique

You can find them all right here.

the beginnings of a studio

It's not much, but I thought that I would go ahead and show you all the beginnings of my humble studio. Also, I figured that as the studio grows {hopefully}, then you will be able to witness the transformation. 

First, I will tell you that I have not spend a dime on this little space. I feel pretty proud of that! Everything in the room is re-purposed. 

The poms came from my friend Cory's shower. 

The table is an old patio table that E and I used back at our old apartment. I put a large piece of MDF board that was leftover from our bathroom remodel, on top of the metal patio table add space. 

Call me crazy, but this little tub is one of my favorite parts of the studio. The last time I was home at my parents, I brought back a bunch of vintage Strawberry Shortcake furniture. I don't think I have shared yet on here, but I love Strawberry Shortcake {the character}. 

I love that the little tub is footed! For now I filled the tub with a bunch of poppies that I am using for a wedding party this summer. I am really excited to see pictures of all of the bridesmaids wearing their poppies. I think that it will be beautiful!!

A couple of orders from my last jewelry party packaged and ready to go!

Also, don't forget to let me know if you're interested in hosting a party!! The hostess will receive a %20 voucher based on total sales from the party. So, if the sales from the party are $500, then you will receive a $100 voucher for my store!

I painted this old frame with chalkboard paint! I have already starting writing myself little "don't forget" notes. I also used a little vintage teacup to hold the chalk. Isn't it cute?? 

Purple shamrocks that I really hope don't die!!

Back around Christmas, I made a batch of Darby's cinnamon honey butter. 

Delicious!! 

I used the leftover jelly jars to hold some of my stones, charms, and cabochons.

The kitties seem to enjoy the space as well!

I can't wait to skirt the table and paint the dresser some fun color :)

you are my sunshine

E and I painted this chalkboard above our dresser awhile, but the weather has been so crummy that I have not been able to get a good picture - until yesterday!

We simply painted the chalkboard right onto the wall, and added the molding as we frame.

Easy peasy. 

I know that I have shared before, but I'll tell ya again :) The "you are my sunshine" poster is in memory of my parents and grandpa/pap singing me and my siblings that song as babes.

On the bottom of the board I wrote the scripture from 1 Peter 3:15 -

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 

This verse is so so special to me! This is the verse that I had carved into the inside of E's wedding band. 

I could say so much about this short verse, but that is another post for another time.

I hung twine and attached photos and other memorabilia with miniture clothes pins. 

Family shot from out wedding and an oldie from h.s. graduation.

Vintage hankie, post card from E and I's honeymoon to Moorea, Tahiti {amazing}, and an old letter E left on my windshield one night while we were dating.

Another hankie and a little card that I put up to poke fun at E's hoarding nature.

Our wedding invitation that E made  and  list that I wrote for him during our first year of marriage. It's kind of blurry, but it's a list of things that I would like to do that weekend :)

Since the family was coming. we finally hung up some drapes. And, since the family was coming our bed was actually made for once. A perfect opportunity to snap a picture to share with you!