Saturday Somethings

As a child, I remember Saturdays as a mixture of things...

Sometimes my family went shopping or swimming, other times we had lots of yard-work to accomplish.

Regardless of what we did, most Saturdays were spent together, as a family. 

Today reminded me of those old days. . .

Lately life passes too quickly. It seems like every weekend is booked full of plans and engagements. I forget to spend time with people I love. These days to simply spend Saturday at home is a treat.

Today feels like a treat.

Today we slept past nine a.m.

We enjoyed our breakfast of milk and cereal and yogurt.

Just the three of us. 

Oliver played peek-a-boo between spoonfuls of yogurt & baby cereal.

Nicholas worked on the yard, we bathed Oliver together, dressed in comfy sweats and cooked lunch together while Oliver pulled plastic lids and containers from his cupboard. I chopped potatoes and yams for french fries while Nick grilled burgers and made a heart out of ketchup on my hamburger bun when I wasn't looking. We sat and talked and smiled and loved each other's company.

Today it didn't matter what we did or how much time we wasted doing nothing.

Because time spent together is never wasted.

Oliver's Dr. Seuss Party

Last weekend, Nicholas & I hosted Oliver's very first birthday party.

We chose "Seussville" as the theme since Oliver loves his Dr. Seuss alphabet book so much. 

I did lots of research on pinterest (and probably drove Nick a little crazy with all my demands) but the party ended up being lots of fun. We enjoyed face-painting and colored bubbles, as well as some yummy food and cupcakes for dessert. I also set out Dr. Seuss' Happy Birthday book for Oliver's guests to sign. Oliver napped just before the party started and woke up supercharged and ridiculously excited by all the people filling his home, especially since they all were there for him. :) 

Enjoy some snapshots of the day...

The red basket is filled with "thank you" bookmarks.

I take a photo of Oliver every month so I strung them up with twine & clothespins.

The food had fun "seuss-y" names: "Poodles Eating Noodles" macaroni salad, "Green Eggs" deviled eggs & "Ham" sandwiches, "Cheese Trees", "1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Goldfish" crackers, "Greens & Other things" platter of assorted veggies, & "Truffula Fruit".

Party favors, & cupcakes on a tray made from a picture frame.

Some fun bubbles were in the favor bags.

"Yink's Pink Ink Drink" pink lemonade

"Hop on Soda Pop" and striped drinking straws

Toya's outfit is inspired by The Cat in the Hat. 

Oliver's Nana (wearing Horton ears) got her face painted at the "1 Face, 2 Face, Red Paint, Blue Paint" table.

Uncle Reuben was in charge of the coloring table, "Oh the Colors you can color"

Birthday Boy!

He loved eating cake :)

Nick as Thing 1, Me as Thing 2, & Oliver as the Mayor of Seussville.

"You're off to great places

Today is your day.

Your mountain is waiting

So get on your way!"

a year.

That was then...

.

.

.

& this is now.

It is amazing the memories & joys we have 

experienced during the past twelve months.

Exactly one year ago today, 

this little curly-haired, angel-faced boy 

stole our hearts and changed our world forever.

Our baby is 1.

Wordless.

Guess what's coming up?

Speaking of birthdays....

Oliver's is coming up!

& although he has no idea what that means, he is loving all the party goods that have flooded our home the past few weeks, especially the balloons. I inflated one today and he went crazy for it.

Stay tuned for party details some time next week. :)

-Bethany

P.S. Oliver's cousin Miles is in the hospital and needs lots of prayers sent his way. If you have a minute during your day, please say a prayer for him. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. 

Thrifty Thursdays

I love wearing fun dresses.

Oracle Summer Tunic $79AUD

This little number from esther, an Australian based online boutique, recently caught my eye. The colors, bold pattern, silhouette exude fun, flirty femininity.

But, I am always looking for a bargain so I waited hoping that one of two things would happen:

a.) It would go on sale. Like a really big sale.
b.) I would find a similar dress that looked just as amazing for a fraction of the price.

Well, it did not go on sale. But, I found an alternative. Yay! & it is pretty amazing! See for yourself...

A super cute picture thanks to Instagram

Close up of the pattern.

Oliver made sure he got in at least one photo

This dress is the essence of me. 

It is the perfect balance of whimsy, exotic & effortlessly stylish. Just add a messy braid, my oversized rose gold wristwatch and a pair of leather sandals and I am ready to take on the world. :)

This dress is from Forever21. Dresses like this typically range from $10 to $25. I found mine brand new at my local Flea Market for just $4! 

The moral of this story?

If something is out of your price range, there are affordable alternatives as long as you are willing to explore a little. 

Also, you never know what affordable treasures lurk in local thrift stores, vintage shops & flea markets.  

Happy Hunting!

♥Beth

p.s. If any of you have found any awesome bargains lately, send me an email. I would love to hear about them!

Mommyhood..

Oliver enjoyed his first Easter this weekend & also turned 11 months old.

Oliver watched Nicholas & I color eggs with his cousin Hailey. He also got to hunt for brightly colored eggs filled with teddy grahams & cheese-its at Nana and Grandpa's house. 

These days, Oliver spends his time playing with his stuffed animals Rufus & Steggie. He loves watching his dog from the dining room windows. He points at everything and loves electronics. He allows loves books. I think he likes how they taste just as much as he likes to show me the pictures inside their pages. Oliver got new shoes with velcro straps this month. These shoes actually stay on his feet and he does not mind them too much. Mostly because when he wears his shoes, he is allowed to play outside. The other day, he actually carried his shoes to me and patiently waited for me to put them on his feet. He is such a good little boy when he chooses to be. But whether he is driving me crazy or being sweet & lovable matters not because I am his mommy and he is my baby and we our completely obsessed with each other. :)

There is a single month remaining until my little Munchkin turns 1 year old. 

I can hardly believe it. 

♥ Bethany