Ollie turns 2!!!

Another Belated Birthday Post

(Sorry Ollie, it's been a crazy week)

Happy 2nd Birthday to you!

One of the best models I've ever had.
You and Paul Simon sure know how to sport a bowtie!
I love those big eyes and soft curls.

Little brother and Big Brother all at the same time.

Obviously I must credit Makaya with taking these amazing photos.

Playing Catch-up!

Alright, now that Caleb is finally back home- it is definitely time to play catch-up and get some posts up that are past due. Here are the pictures and recap of my trip to Dallas and the show I caught while there. This was about 1 week into the tour.

Front row tickets!

Ashton and Levi messing around in the dressing room before the show-

It was one of the smaller ones, but they had their own bathroom, which was nice.

The three brothers

Makaya used one of the all access passes to take pictures of the show.

How awesome is this!?

Rocking out...

And Again...

Ashton on drums

For a couple of songs, they are joined onstage by their friend John, who went on this tour with them as an additional driver and special guest musician. He plays the flute for a song, and then the saxophone as well. Caleb got the headress at the Indian reservation they visited in Arizona or New Mexico a couple days before. A lot of their songs are either about space or Native American culture... so it is very fitting.

Close up of John

The whole crazy bunch of us hanging out backstage

And since a few of my friends requested that I post a pic or something to show the shirts I made (one which I'm wearing in these pics above, but unfortunately- don't model it well) here you go

a little sneak peak-

My friend Mari had a brilliant idea to collaborate with me on an adult women's clothing line. We had a lunch with our inspiration books, set a deadline to have a few pieces done and started sewing. This is one of the first tops I did. Mari's are awesome as well, but I'll wait until we have more to show to do any additional unveiling. Mari has a friend, Christine Olson, who is an amazing photographer and she had already scheduled a session with her for her new necklace line. So we sent our tops and here are a couple pics of the one I'm wearing above.

Remembering Our Queen Mum

Last Wednesday, my grandmother passed away. I was lucky enough to have just visited with her a couple days during my trip to the midwest the week before. So with a heavy heart, I quickly made plane reservations, turned around and went back to be with my family for the services.

The weekend was full of hugs, tears, laughter, more tears and wonderful memories. The pastor gave the opportunity to share some words and memories with everyone and although so many things ran through my head, I just wasn't in a state to share them at the time. But I wanted to express them, so here are the glimpses of rembrances that I will always hold in my heart.

Going to Grandma's suitcases. Tire Swings. Daffodils. Climbing trees. Playing scales on the piano. Hanging sheets on a clothes line. The Lord's Prayer. Monkey Bread. Breezeways.

Steak and Shake and the little creamer cups filled with tiny amounts of coffee. Ice cream trucks. Cold glasses of water in the refridgerator. Psalm 23. Twisty straws. Teeny Jello Molds. The most amazing handmade doll house. Dresser Drawers. Tissues. Little lipstick cases. Holiday dinners in the basement. Tiny dog ornaments. Putting on eyebrows. Clap On Lights. Stuffed Lion.

So many memories from my childhood, just glimpses. I will see her in so much of the world around me. And my memories are just a small part of her 91 year life. She had a fascinating life and saw so many amazing changes come to this world.

In the last few years, as her health started failing, she became more of a quiet observer at all our family events. She was always a people watcher, but I imagine her kids and grandkids were her favorite to watch. I liked to think of her as our very own Queen Mum, keeping a watchful eye over us all.

Although I knew somewhere in my head that this day would eventually come, I guess my heart would never fully be prepared for the loss of our Queen Mum, my beloved Grandmother. You were so loved by all who knew you and will be missed.