Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Sick Boo = Lots of Down Time for Mommy

A (mini) Cooper is home today with a fever.  This is the second day she has been sick, thankfully it seems to be getting better and not worse.  Yesterday I found myself homebound while she rested, all. day. long.  There was some TV, some computer time and thankfully a very long nap.  While she slept I was able to spend some time reading a magazine (not sure if that's even the right word).  I am so glad I made a special stop at our local book store last week for this treat (and oh, what timing).  The layout is wonderful and I find such inspiration from the women featured.  What are you reading today?

Monday, January 30, 2012

Not Always Burb Dwellers


Since Hubs is a Navy man we've had the opportunity to live a few different places.  We've mostly been on the west coast but spent one wonderful year in the DC area - so much fun, living more urban.  We also had an amazing tour spent living on the tropical island of Okinawa, Japan.  Once I was able to adjust (another story, another time) our time away from "the States" was a huge blessing.  Our family had the opportunity to explore another culture, we made incredible life-long friends and my children were able to live in a very relaxed family environment.  The base we lived on had a crazy amount of children and just outside our gate there were parks, the ocean, amazing food and a Starbucks for when I got home sick.  God most certainly planted us there and I will be eternally grateful for our years spent living so far from home.  


Morning coffee in a favorite Okinawa village.


Okinawa handblown glass, beautiful. 


Nail art with my "peeps" while entertaining my mom visiting from the states.


Taking Grandpa to Pineapple World, a fun tourist destination. 


Local produce, the Okinawans are known for their good health and long lives.


Enjoying a breathtaking Okinawan beach.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Inspiration



Inspiration came to me this week when I walked in to a West Elm store for the first time.  As soon as I stepped foot in the door I was completely drawn in.  I love their use of color and found their display of product fun and inventive.  How happy is this succulent display with the canvas backdrop?  I hope you were able to find inspiration in your week.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sometimes It's the Little Things

Today my "little thing" was found in the mail.  An Etsy purchase, simple and low budget arrived and I couldn't be happier.  It gave me a smile and a little charge, enough to make this Thursday feel like a Friday.


I've got some plans for this tape, I've found inspiration in blog land and I can't wait to dive in.  What are your little things?  What gives you a smile.  If it's Japanese Washi Tape here is where mine came from:
prettytape.etsy.com

Monday, January 23, 2012

Meet the Fam

Here we are, the Coopers living in the burb.  The Hubs, my oldest "G", my youngest "Boo" and our trusty and often pain in the neck dog, Lester.  G is a book loving fool, Boo is a music girl trying her hand at hip hop dance and the Hubs, he lives to mountain bike.  I stay home and try to keep everyone united and on task.  It's a nice life, I love raising these two girlies, they challenge me daily (the oldest is now 11, yikes that can be an interesting age).

Oh and Lester the dog, he is 6 years old but when left alone in the house acts more like 6 months old.  In the last few months he has eaten three Bibles, countless of G's books and even some sheet music left on the piano.  Needless to say, he has been forced to have a new appreciation for the great outdoors (or rather our small back yard).

Friday, January 20, 2012

Try this again?

I tried this, once upon a time.  I tried blogging.  It didn't last long.  Not sure if I had a direction in my mind - still not sure if I have a direction in my mind.  This I do know, I love blogs.  I love reading blogs, every day I look forward to checking in on my favorite bloggers.  The honest ones, those are the blogs I love.  Their honesty in regards to their lives, their loves, their loss, their faith - they touch me.  They make me a better person, does that sound crazy?  They make me a better wife, mother, friend.  They make me a better Christian.  I am grateful.

Along with honesty I enjoy a good tip, a good recipe, a good tutorial.  I also love a good laugh.

Where will this take me?  Only time will tell.  For now all I know is I am here, in the blog world once again, heaven help us all!