Art heals

I've been this way my whole life...enamored by pretty things, trinkets, art, furniture, fabric, textures. I think I get it from my Grandmas because their homes were always filled with those and it just felt comfy to me. Safe. Homey. Calm. Peaceful. There was always a story behind a decor item or art piece. On my dads side both my grandma and great grandma (we call her great Bea...oh man. I thought for sure I could use that name for a daughter, but I don't think thats in the cards for us.) were artists. They created the most beautiful paintings, one of which I was lucky to snag for my home. 

This week has brought every single emotion that a person could possibly feel (that's slightly dramatic but true) I've gone from feeling like I'm on top of the world to the lowest of the lows. I can't go to my own brothers wedding next week and everyday it gets closer to their wedding, I'm even more sad than the day before. I LOVE WEDDINGS! Everything about them, but the sealing is the sweetest part of it all. To witness that and feel of Gods love for those two people is just something that brings me great joy. So I'm very sad about that. I'm hoping that one day we can throw a big celebration for them. I know it's very hard for them too so I'm trying to put on a happy face--but it's been so tough. Back to the art--yesterday was quite a day. I went from trying to plan meals, to workouts, to school schedules, to church for Sunday...and then I got VERY sad for all the missionaries being sent home. WHAT IS HAPPENING. So it all came crashing down. Pair those feelings with the usual fighting children and bored children, and it didn't go very well. I'm pleased to say that I didn't get mad at anyone, but I cried a lot. A lot of overwhelm consumed me.

This morning I woke up and the same heavy feeling came right back. I decided to print off some coloring pages for the kids and joined right in. I put some church music on and we all just colored for a while. Those little pictures of art healed me right then and there. My mood had flipped and the world felt colorful again. I felt light. It's going to be ok. 

The hard days will still come but there is always joy. and art. So we will be ok. I've been listening to more and more church talks too and those bring great comfort. 

 Thomas has made all the hard days just so much better. He is the happiest and easiest baby...but so was Peter HAHAHAHAH Jokes on me.

 I always "try" and rock him to sleep but we always end up standing there and looking at our shadow. I love him. 

 Peter plays hard and sleeps hard every single day.

 I've got a whole slew of posts just dedicated to this man right here. He's just so so good.

 Left some happy notes for others to enjoy

 My favorite piece of art lately

 Craft day

He always wants his blanket ON his face...so I sneak in and move it to the side. Have I mentioned we are all obsessed with him?

September Happenings

This month isn't nearly over just yet, but I have so much to document already! It's overwhelming how many pictures I take. 10,400 to be exact. That's what in my lightroom library...not even counting what is on my hard drive. 

This month has been filled with family, friends, lots of date nights, and late nights picking up toys around the house. Let's not forget the nights spent at the pool too!

I love how close Laney and Crew are becoming. They play well together all day. I will admit though that having 2 toddlers around to make double the mess has been a tad crazy. I'm still getting used to the fact that if I really want a clean house, that I have to spend most of the day just picking the little messes up. 

 We had Hazel come over to play one day (the kids love Fridays for this reason!) and they built a fort around Peter in his bouncer. Then they played dress up for the rest of the time. I loved the outfits she would come up with. Don't worry---I kissed her cheeks off about a million times while she was wearing that mask. Hard not to. Try it! 

 Date night with my main man. We saw a movie that was really sad, and just overall a little depressing....however, he was a good sport, and made the night fun. 

 I had to snap this picture of one of our planning sessions. Each Sunday night we *try* to make an effort at planning our week out together. Meal planning, money talk (eww. I still don't like it,) and scheduling. I LOVE doing this together, and love when he types everything out in an organized manner. He's just really awesome, and handsome. 

 Everly & Laney's playdate. E requested "piggies" for the both of them. She's the talker in this little relationship. She is 5 days older than Laney, and has the biggest vocabulary. 

 B&C playing together. They are finally at a point where they don't fight. They love playing, and play so well together. 

 Date night at a leather store ($$$$ didn't realize how much real leather cost. Won't be going back there for a bit!)

 Temple night with him! I love going with him, and learning from him. Exiting a temple session in the evening where the sky is dark, and the cars are slowly driving by, is the best feeling. Everything feels right in the world. Thankful for the Temple because of the perspective it gives me. 

 Park day with Aunt Lindsey! She came to visit this week and the kids had a blast! 

 Peter's first time on the swings! 

 Crew's OOTD. Gotta roll with it. Harry Potter. 

 Crew's teacher sends me pictures of him in class every time he goes. It's my favorite. I love seeing what he did that day.

 Shopping with my gal. We really really love it. 

 She was pretty stoked about her pink box. She stores all of her important baby doll accessories in there. 

 I got to sneak away later that night to meet baby Della. It's a surreal feeling walking those hospital halls again, hearing the beeping machines, and smelling the hand sanitizer everywhere. I was overcome with such strong emotions there. I will always want a baby, and want those experiences. There is nothing sweeter than having a baby, and staying a couple days in the hospital protecting the little one from the outside world. Those quiet moments will always be some of my favorite. Della is a doll, and just so sweet. 

 Our table is full of coloring stuff all day long. FINALLY. I've been waiting for them to take an interest in it. Crew would color all day if I let him! (which I normally do.)

A little Frost gelato to end our week in the right way. That stuff just keeps getting better every time I go.