Ft Ross

Last week Jeff and I traveled to one of our favorite spots as a couple, the Sonoma Coast. Early in our relationship we shared the connection of going to Bodega Bay on family trips. We've continued that in our own way and love relaxing up there. There is something about the massive Pacific Ocean, crisp air, and beautiful drives that is so grounding. We definitely needed a getaway with our crazy schedules!

One highlight of the trip was stumbling across a great new restaurant, River's End. It has amazing views and amazing food. We had to pinch ourselves the whole time we were there!

Petit Bebe

Today I got to shower a lovely lady with some love. My dear friend Jennifer is expecting a baby boy in May, and I got to have a lot of fun planning her baby shower. She has an amazing French Riviera theme with sailboats, sunflowers, and vibrant colors. I cannot wait to meet sweet Adrien!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Something I have realized is that I love professional photos of people. Whether that's engagement, wedding, family, maternity...I love them. People are so creative when it comes to styling I get inspired each time. For our mom's birthday Jaimie and I decided to have photos of the three of us taken at the ranch. We have so much respect for Coeur de La Photography! They did an amazing job and we love them. Here are just a few that are my favorites...

All photos are done by Coeur de La Photography

February...

Going into February I knew it was going to fly by with these major events: Disneyland, Mom's 50th, ranch photo shoot, and a big classroom observation. Well, it definitely did fly and here we are in March! Nonetheless, a lot of great times were had in February and here is a little recap.

Superbowl/Gender Reveal: Our dear friends the Glennen's are having a baby in May. They hosted a Superbowl party to find out what the baby's gender was. They had a sweet little cake that had either a blue center or pink center depending on the gender. After they game they cut the cake and....It's a Boy! We are eager to meet Adrien Anthony

Napa Trip for Mom's 50th: My wonderful mom turned 50 this year! We celebrated by going to Napa for a little wine tasting. I happen to be lucky that my bro-in-law works for Sutter Homes so we got a sweet little hook up for mom. Good time had by all!

Disneyland: My Aunt Emma invited me to go along to Disneyland. She planned the trip to have all of her grandchildren there. We had a wonderful time. Highlights of the trip was a wonderful Aladdin show, churros, crying kids in a Bugs Life, snuggling sweet Autumn and spending time with family.

Photo Shoot: For our Mom's birthday Jaimie and I decided a great gift would be getting pictures done of the three of us at the ranch. I had been admiring Caroline's work over at Coeur de La for a very long time. I asked her if she'd be interested, and she was. We had so much fun that day and couldn't have asked for better weather conditions. She did an outstanding job on the photos, and they will be very special to us for a long time coming. I will do a whole post on our favorite photos!

Succulents

I am not quite sure when or where my love of succulents began, but I have always been fascinated by the different sizes and varieties. When Jeff and I went on a trip to Sutter Creek in 2009 we stopped by a little garden shop there and bought a couple. After that trip, my love for them grew because they were a plant I could keep alive! They take little water, multiply fast, and can withstand great heat. We both loved them so much that when we got married we knew that we wanted to incorporate those flowers in our wedding. The lovely Melinda at M Creations in Chico did a fabulous job with them, don't you think?

After the wedding, we kept as many of the succulents as we could and replanted them for our home garden. I'd say they are growing quite nicely, just like our marriage.

Projects

So, as we are packing up the ranch (more on that later) I have been inspired to create some projects from some wonderful pieces. I was able to collect some great barn windows and Grandma and Grandpa's kitchen shutters. I am hoping to creatively change them into a few inspirational pieces I found on Pinterest. Here's to hoping this...

Becomes this!

Thrifter

Connections

Jeff and I went to the funeral today. Ken Borges was excellent father, brother, and friend. He at the age of 45, died to soon. He died a fighter living 9 years through an illness the doctors believed would have killed him in 9 months.

An honorable man, he deserved a worthy funeral with loved ones celebrating his life. He received that today. The priest today shared some powerful ideas. Often at a gathering such as a funeral words are spoken about the love one living on through the people they leave behind. Today the priest explained that this does exist because of the connections we make with loved ones. These connections endure as memories. The remembrance of these happy times can fill our hearts and keep those near to us, even if they aren't with us. I felt like those words were so comforting. I have been to a few celebrations of life, and I don't think I've ever heard it so simple. Maybe I wasn't ready to receive the words at the time, but I feel like I truly believed them today. I know Ken will live through all the connections he made and people he touched. Especially through James, Ashley and Keagon.