Spring has sprung

Although, as I am writing it is 49 degrees outside.

I think I like Spring in Alabama because it is like me, indecisive and fickle. But Summer is not, and I know it will come barreling in just as I'm getting comfortable with the spring in my step and the fresh in the air.

So, for today....er, eh, tomorrow? I hope to savor it for what it is.








While we were away for a week a bird decided to make our home her own. This is what we found in the vine on our front porch!

Dee-lux apartment in the sky-ii

In October of 2006, we finally got our piece of the pie. We planned on enjoying it for at least 5 years.

Since Bryan is already employed with Worktopia but will not move there until June, he "gets" to travel to NY every few weeks. Last week we both went so that we could hopefully find housing for us when we move. We knew it would be a feat, only having a short amount of time, and not wanting to move (or pay) until at least May, hopefully June (rentals are listed and then gone within days).

To say the trip did not go as planned would be an understatement. I got food poisoning right off the plane (beware of Burger King in the LaGuardia airport!) and spent the next few days in bed. I am so thankful for my mom making the trip, and spending it with Charlie and 4 walls. The hardest part of being sick for me was not the obvious, but that I didn't get to have fun with her. When I was finally able to step foot out of the hotel, we attempted to check out the local towns, but ended up lost and in a crummy deli. We had some awkward conversations with locals, and our own conversation was nil because all my effort was spent fighting back tears. I was trying so hard (too hard) to picture what life would be like when we moved, and the picture wasn't pretty. Don't start feeling sorry for me, the story gets better.

Finally, the clouds began to clear (literally too) on Thursday and I spent 2 days with Bryan's boss's wife, who is a real estate agent, looking for housing. I'm not sure if having a baby or trying to find housing in 2 days is more exhausting. Every place had it's quirks, from the price, to laundry being outside, space, location....you name it. I was content with a couple of places and didn't even want to see the last place, but to appease Bryan, I did. And loved it.

Maybe I was delirious at this point for choosing an apartment above a restraunt, but after weighing all that we saw we are thrilled that we get to live here. I had prayed weeks before we came that the Lord would let us find an affordable (ok, this term is completely relative, and laughable), functional 3 BR. As we were looking I began to think that my expectations had been too high, so this place was such a suprising answer to prayer.
So, you have an open invitation to visit any time, and you have your own room!

Cozying up to change

As of 2 weeks ago, my husband is no longer an employee of Infomedia. There aren't enough words to express my thankfulness to his boss and co-workers for taking him under their wings at the green age of 18, paying his way through school, and instilling much more than work ethic and business sense. Bryan's best friends are there. I love that those are the people he still wants to hang around when business hours are over.

The decision to leave the company was made after much thought, conversation and prayer over the course of a year. The only way we could make the change was if we were confident in the next step. Little did we know that step would be 1000 miles NE.

We had talked before about what a dream it would be for Bryan to work for Worktopia, but the thought was that we could stay in Birmingham, even though they are located in NY. I'll never forget the brief conversation we had while Bryan was there for a few days to work on a project. I was in our cozy little home, snuggled on my couch, Ben and Jerry's in hand, enjoying my little I'm all alone party when Bryan called. I was excited to finally hear from him about how his time was going. Our conversation went something like this:

Bryan: "Hey babe........yeah, looks like I could have a job here...."

Me: "That's fabulous!"

Bryan: "Yeah, and I'm thinking it may be hard to stay in Birmingham. You know, you may really like it here."

click.

dial tone.

No, I didn't hang up on him, we lost service. The next 30 minutes are somewhat blurred in my memory, but I think I recall some tears, and melted ice cream.

Friends that know me know that I love adventure and change. Yet friends who really know me know that I am also fearful of it and would just prefer my life to be comfortable. predictable.

The Lord has been gracious to continually show me that though my circumstances may not always be cozy, He is my comfort; that life may be about change, but He is my constant. He also gave me the most steady and calm man on earth (really) as my husband. Yesterday he recognized my deer in headlights mood and suggested we do something other than the usual TV and computers, which only feed the numbness.



It was quite cozy.

Out with the old......

I bought this dress when I was in college. I loved it's classic look, and wore it a lot.

It has been years since I have worn it, but it is still hanging in my closet. Why? Because one day I might like to wear it again.

As I was cleaning out and reorganizing my closet yesterday I saw it and nearly put it in the "keep" pile yet again. In my mind it is fresh and romantic, beckoning a barefoot walk on the beach. In reality, I am a 5 foot frump in it, and how often am I on a beach?!

This blog has been like that dress. I just know it's here, and one day I may actually write about the things I think about.

Today was momentous. I actually loaded the dress up (along with the too big and too small things that I think I may one day fit in again, the long jean skirt that may make a comeback some day, and the expensive formal dress that I've been meaning to put on ebay for a year now) and took it to a consignment store.

And so, in occasion with out with the old, in with the new..... a simple post, hopefully the one that will break the ice, or silence rather.

So much is going on in my life that I almost feel numb to it all. Words are saved for my journal (I still favor pen and ink) and two-way conversations with friends. Life is a whirlwind of preparing for a move to NY, selling our house, grieving the loss of my dear grandfather, and still trying to play mom, wife, and friend.

But silence never does me much good.

Stay tuned.

St. Patty's and Peas

He decided that it was much more fun to smoosh peas than to eat them.

Ten

Ten has snuck up on me.

I thought he was busy before, and yet each day I sweat a little harder chasing him. Everywhere. Bryan and I often wonder what would happen if we just let him go. So sometimes we do.

Although our lives have been somewhat turned upside down recently, he has been our constant joy.

His babbling actually seems purposeful these days - we think "da da", "eye", and "igh" (light) may actually mean something.

Tantrums are becoming more frequent, although still laughable.

He loves to point, at everything. Tonight it was the moon.

I still remember singing "I see the moon, the moon sees me, God bless the moon, and God bless me...." with my parents when I was little.

Sweet memories.

It is amazing (and yet scary!) to think that we are raising a child, and the things we do and say may actually be remembered one day!

Plunge boldly into the thick of life

and seize it where you will

it is always interesting.

- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Rest

This week.......

sleep, little.
circumstances, crazy.
thoughts, many.
emotions, varied.

rest, much.

As I sit here cuddled next to my husband, doors flung open on this beautiful cool sunny day, I am thankful for the rest in my soul that the Lord has been faithful to give.

...."take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls."

Mt. 11:29

Lace

I'll never forget the day I found out my mom was pregnant. A little baby basket sat in the middle of our living room, Mom and Dad were all smiles. I instantly hoped for a sister.

9 months later.... I can still hear the phone ring, feel the anticipation......and then the excitement of hearing "it's a girl!".

I couldn't wait to be her big sister, and one day her friend.

She was girly from the start, hardly wearing anything that wasn't pink and frilly (except for that 101 Dalmations outfit that she wore holes in). "Lacey" fit her well........although, today she pulls off camo as well as the boys.

On the surface it may appear that we couldn't be more different, but I have often heard that I remind others of her. It is a true compliment.

It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed, but I love that the 11 year gap between us seems to grow smaller each year. Gone are the days where I dressed her up and carried her on my hip. Now she tells me how to dress, and carries my child on her hip.

I know you are not much for sappy sentiment - that is why it has taken me a while to write this. I've been trying to come up with something funny to say (you're the only girl I know who never wears matching socks.....and still looks good?). But I love that I have the freedom to be me, and you still kinda like me.

Thanks,

Lace.

Happy, happy birthday!!

Valentine

It's never quite as fun to write/read about a holiday after the fact

but

it was such a sweet day..........

my funny valentine

got a valentine from a favorite cousin.

He gasped when he opened it, and played with it the rest of the day.

My grill masters

grilled perfectly

blue cheese burgers and sweet potato fries.

We put the babe to bed, curled up on the couch with molten chocolate cakes (to die for!) and watched our favorite romantic movie......er, well.......our favorite suspense filled show (Lost).

It was the perfect night.

Molten Chocolate Cakes

1/2 cup unsalted butter
5 ounces premium dark chocolate, cut into chunks
3 large eggs
1/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
4 teaspoons flour

4 small ramekins (you can use a muffin pan if you don't have ramekins)

Melt butter and chocolate in a double broiler (or microwave on low, stirring after 30 seconds). Remove from heat. Beat eggs, sugar and salt with a hand mixer in a medium bowl until sugar dissolves. Beat egg mixture into chocolate until smooth. Beat in flour until just combined. (Batter can be made a day ahead and put into fridge!).

Bake at 450 until batter puffs, but center is not set (about 10 min.).

Sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Nine

Crawling, pulling up on anything you can - and occaisionally letting go (only to be suprised to be so quickly looking at the ceiling)

Babbling every waking hour, and understanding more than we know - including "no-no"

Loving music, always banging your head and and hands to the rythm - everything comes to a halt when music is in the air

I am amazed to see my little baby so "big".

Assignment 1, Exposure

I just started a photography class last week, and I can't decide if I am more excited, or frustrated at this point. I love the creative aspect, but so far I do not enjoy the technical side of it. I do think though that in learning the technical, the creative can thrive. I'm just so impatient! I just want to know it all. Now.

I'd like to post my assignments each week here, to document (hopefully-) improvement. Who knows, maybe I will even break away from my typical subject matter a little bit. Doubt it.

Last weeks assignment was dealing with exposure, the only task being 200 ISO, 250 shutter, and adjusting the aperature according to light.

Watch out world

he is 8 months old, and the world is his oyster. There is much to be discovered - drawers and cabinets, fireplaces and dirt, bathroom and kitchen floors (much to the dismay of his germaphobe mom), electric outlets....for the first time in a long time I can go through a day without thinking about the possibility of excercise. It is completely built in.

Favorite things of 2007

It's not as humble as raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, or as impressive as Kitchen Aid Artisian stand mixers and refrigeraters equipped with televisions (only housewifes/nursing moms sitting on their couch at 4pm each day know what I am talking about...) but nontheless, here is my list of favorite things of 2007, in no particular order.

Hershey's new line of premium chocolate

I LOVE good dark chocolate and have a little almost every day. Bryan and I have been pleasantly suprised by how good Hershey's new Cacao Reserve chocolate is. My favorite is the 65% and Bryan's is the Arriba.

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products

In my effort to become more green, these products have made it much more fun. It is so nice to have a yummy smelling house (literally - my mom got the the gingerbread scent gift set for Christmas). My favorite scent outside of the holiday season is lemon verbena.

This recipe for chai tea mix
If I have put on any pounds this holiday season, this may be the culprit. It has been a hit in our house as well as within the Davis family.

This sweater

Anyone who ever comes to visit probably knows my love of all things comfy. There should be no shame in staying in your pj's all day. This sweater is amazing. B got it for me for Christmas and I think I could wear it every day in January. Maybe Feburary too. It feels better than a sweatshirt, yet looks somewhat dressy. But if you see me out in it, don't tell anyone else that it came from GapBody.

Zout stain remover.
Throw away your Shout. Especially if you come across a poopey diaper or two during your day.

The color brown.
My husband, son, and I all probably wear it way too much. But I like it, and will keep wearing it.

My necklace and earrings from Olaria Studio

They go great with my brown wardrobe. But I love all of Amy's stuff. I'm thinking I need to venture out and get something red.........Bryan, you reading?

Herbs de Provence
I found out about this popular European herb mix a couple of years ago, and have already been through 2 jars of it. It goes well with any meat, veggie, or pasta and makes a great salad dressing. Our favorite way to use it might be with sweet potato fries. Simply toss sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of H de P and bake at 400 for about 20-30 (depending on how thick you slice them). You can buy it for around $15 at Williams-Sonoma, or 99 cents at Whole Foods. Speaking of......

Whole Foods
When I lived in CA I thought it was overpriced considering we had a Trader Joe's and an open market down the street. But I am so happy to have one in Birmingham. I love that I can buy a variety of organic produce for Charlie, bulk herbs for 99 cents, true Wild Alaskan Salmon (I opt for frozen for cost sake) and any other gastronomic item I can think of - all while sipping on a latte. A couple of hours there (without a child) is better to me than a day at the spa.

The Johnney Jump Up

Although it's been around for decades, it has been Charlie's favorite toy since he was 4 months old. It allows me to get at least 3 minutes of housework done.

Mpix
Love their printing quality, their prices, the forums, and especially the customer service. I have emailed several questions and they have responded within minutes.

O'Henry's Celebas Kalossi coffee

Cottage Living and Domino magazines

The Kite Runner

I would say this is my all time favorite novel, but I can't say it definitively because my memory is so horrible. But, I loved this story. It forever changed the way I view immigrants.

Red Mountain Church
I don't know where to start in writing about how much we love our little ragamuffin church. I appreciate it's humility. I value it's sincerity. The Lord has used it in challenging me to learn and know people rather than fade into the crowd, to love and serve those both inside and outside it's walls, to be honest to myself, to others, and to the Lord about who I really am......to accept the radical grace that the Lord gives. I've got a pinky-hold on a freedom in Christ that I have yet to experience.


If I were into chain or tag blogs (whatever you call them) I would tag you with this. I would love to see others lists!

Christmas Recap

My friend Amanda (whose blog Bryan has deemed ridiculously funny, I agree) recently posted a recap of her Christmas. I liked the idea, so here is ours (though not quite as funny).

The day of course revolved around the only grandchild and his presents. You could pretty much sum up the day with this one picture, maybe inserting different gifts in place of the John Deere. The sounds of the day consisted of many "ooooohhhh......ahhhh.......Chaaaarlieee, loooooook......"s, while Charlie himself was content to play with the tiny piece of wrapping paper caught between his fingers.

Charlie and his new Fargo hat. I'm sure we will get tons of use out of it in this crazy Alabama snow. (Just kidding Mom, we love it, and it will get much use on our walks).


Lacey is excited about decorating her room in grown-up cowgirl style.


But her favorite thing this Christmas was her life-sized dress-up doll.


Dad was excited to get new toys for his new hobby. I love that he has always taken up whatever his children enjoy. Although, I feel slightly duped that he never took up cheerleading and gymnastics.


I guess Dad thought diamonds and pearls were too expensive, cookware too housewife-y, and clothes too difficult. So, why not a Playstaion II for his wife?
?!?! We were all laughing as Mom said "you would think after 30 years he might know me a little better....". But Dad was laughing the hardest......


because, he DOES know her. (She loves to excersise, and loves to dance, and loves the show.....). Other than Charlie, this was the highlight of the day (and night, and the next day).

Cute couple #1 (only cute because of the cute baby).


Cute couple #2 (truly cute, although overshadowed by the cute baby this year).


Bryan opening his 2nd box filled with premium Belgian beers. Dad asked if there was anything he should be concerned about. :)

It is neat to me that the birth of our Savior is celebrated with family, and is met with much joy and laughter - even if the laughter is over silly and seemingly unimportant things. Because of His birth, our joy is greater, and our graciousness to each other more abundant!

My new love

From the title, and from my previous 42 or so posts, you may assume I am talking about Charliebaby......but can it be that I am attempting to write about something else?!

Last Christmas, my thoughtful husband bought me a digital SLR. I held it with both excitement and intimidation, tears in my eyes. I have always loved having a creative outlet, but I am such a dabbler. I get really excited about a project, but inevitably leave it half finished. I have always been known as a jack-of-all-trades......master of none.

So, I held my new silver baby knowing that there was much to learn, and new challenges awaited. That is, if I wanted take full advantage of what I had. Why buy a Jag only to drive it around the block? Until the last month or so, every mode but auto-focus has been collecting dust as I have basically been playing with composition only. But slowly I have been trying out my "P", "AV", and even my "M". Although frustrating at times I am loving the challenge! It helps that I have the perfect little subject crawling around my house at all times. Well, I say "perfect", but I think constantly moving objects might not be the best to learn with, but he is definitely motivating.

So, bear with me as I continue to post hundreds of only slightly different pictures of him. I know the grandmothers don't mind, but for everyone else I post all but a few on my picassa site. Also, forgive me if you are near and I am obnoxiously in your or others face with my camera. I'm not at all attempting to be a professional (my brother deemed me "Zap girl" this Christmas - really b/c of my new flash), just taking others advice to snap away, and simply because I love it! Surely the newness will wear a little and I will better find the line between obnoxious and appreciatively capturing the moment.

To keep continuity with my other posts........

Ok really I just posted it because it is so cute. He thought he was pretty funny.

Merry Christmas!