Elizabeth The Friend + Owl Love

{Elizabeth: The Friend}
I don't know you, but I wish I did!  You are such a good friend.  And good news...you win the cute blue hoodie!:) 

And I have to say...the rest of you are pretty darn cool too.  Thanks for your inspiring comments.  We all have so much to be grateful for.

If you missed it, Elizabeth said...
"My dearest friend (who is also a co-worker) is having a 12 hour pelvic reconstruction on Tuesday--was in a horrible car accident last April with a shattered pelvis---bug bummer. Bigger bummer--this means my workload doubled! But bright and good things? My kids are healthy, we made the 1/2 way payment on our house, and my friend will be all better (we pray!) in a few months.

That blue pullover? It would look awesome on her little boy!"

Way to look on the bright side. Email me so we can get it to you ASAP!:)

If you happened to miss the post about these Pottery Barn pillowcase train sweatshirts here you go!  We are loving Aidan's!

{Sweet Babes}
I'm not much of a pink person--well, not since the 3rd grade--- but I'm loving this next photo.  Last fall Ethan collected these little acorn caps near the bus stop, and with the help of a hot glue gun we made these little babes. 

You can find them in his Etsy Shop...SticksandThings. 

I love them.



And speaking of babes...

Little Jonah.  Born January 6.  My newest nephew.  How sweet is he.  Congrats Matt, Kathryn, & big brother Ezra!
{My sister Margo took this shot...isn't it great? My camera is still lens-less after the big break, darn it.}

{Little Owl}
Here you go.  This printable is from last year, but I didn't think you'd mind if I re-shared it!  Especially if you're looking for a less-pink valentine...

To get this card/gift tag you can click here. 

{Yes, More}
I had to add these to my "happy" pictures. Couldn't help myself.  I also decided to throw in a little commentary for these ones...for posterity's sake.;)

{Summer Lovin'.} 

Growing up in Oregon I totally took for granted the fresh produce that grew like crazy all over the place.   Once I heard that the early settlers would joke that if you planted a broomsick in the NW if would sprout.;)  Ah, those silly pioneers!

Well, I prefer berries over broom sprouts.  So do the kidlets...

{Mmmm}

The Pioneer Woman recipes = the tipping of the scale. 

Last summer I attempted my 1st blueberry pie.  It worked.  I'd highly recommend this one to skinny people or those with enough self control to stop themselves from eating the entire thing.;)

{The Thinker} 

This kid has to get to the bottom of it.  From the wheels on the dishwasher racks to the how trains work...I love to watch him explore and try to conquer the world.  I also love blowing kisses all over that belly.

{August 7}
I love the fun, bright colors in this "party" picture + the great memories.  Aidan's 2nd Birthday. 

{Back to Berries} 
Add wild blackberries from my parents yard + the Pioneer Woman's Cheesecake recipe = Mmmmmm. 

That lady knows her stuff.

I guess I'm officially a grown-up.   I love cheesecake and I actually made one.  I think I just put on 5 pounds writing this post...

{Shades}
We have my brother, "Uncle Travie", to thank for this one.  He took Ethan to the dollar store and this was what he came back with...

Love it.

{Ahhh.}

One of this Toad's favorite treasures...The Coast.

My 3 "funny" brothers once jokingly said,

"Toad so loved the beach that she took her only 2 sons..."

 

yeah, I'd better stop there before I offend someone. 

You get the picture. 

Ahhh, brothers.;)

{You}
And I'll end with this...

Do you ever feel like you are just one little flower lost in a crowd of many trying to grow and find their way?

Just remember...we all bloom and shine on our own timeline.

Some may bloom earlier, bigger, or taller,
       but each of us has our own unique beauty to offer.

You are beautiful.

XOXO-Toad