the rest of the day

I would call today a success in terms of just going with the flow. I was able to get Sam's laundry done, paint and just hang out with my little man. Plus, he's fed and mostly clean - sometimes that's an accomplishment!

I must say that he is getting wild! I guess it's the boy in him... Sam was laughing at me while I was shaking out his clothes while I folded the laundry and just cracking up at Simba laying on the floor near him - so sweet.

The painting is still in progress and I plan to put it up in the dining room...I will share that soon.

In the mean time, here are some shots of Sam from the day.

hugs,
ariana

nothing to do...sort of

The spouse is gone...the guests are gone...it's a gloomy day and there is nothing to do. Hip, Hip, Hooray! No offense towards the guests and spouse, but it is nice to have NOTHING on my agenda!
Of course, that is all relative. There is laundry, cleaning, creative things...just having the ability to switch gears as I please is nice!

I also wanted to take the chance to share my nursing blanket with you. I have survived 6 months without it, but I am excited to have it now. My sister in law, Joy has one and I really liked it. She told me that I could make one myself and Titi Elaina helped me through it - Thanks, Elaina!!!

The ribbons tie around your neck and keep the blanket in place when you are nursing in public. There is boning in the center that sort of pops the blanket out so you can see the baby while he/she is nursing.

Everyone has different opinions about nursing in public, but this blanket allows me to stay on the go while keeping Samuel fed and keeps me and others around me comfortable - Win Win!

Plus, it's cute. ;)

Have a great day!

thunder thighs...

While many people would hesitate to post a picture of such voluptuous thighs, I did not hesitate to show you what Mr. Samuel has accumulated over the 6 months of his life so far!

We had lunch downtown today at the Tomato Head in Market Square. After lunch Sam wanted to check out the water fountains in the plaza and so I let him step in the water and indulge his feet and hands in the sparkly bubbles that caught his eye.

Isn't he just the cutest thing you have ever seen!?!? I know...I am biased. I am his mom. But still...

sleep

Yesterday we went to Cade's Cove at the Smokey Mountains National Park, had breakfast and hiked a 5 mile round trip to Abram's Falls. It was a great workout and we were really glad thatwe did it!

Panera Bread bagels was the breakfast of champions for us and I branched out and tried a dutch apple bagel with cream cheese...mmm! Now my new favorite because it tastes like a cheese danish and if you know anything about me I have a weakness for pastries, donuts, cakes, cookies....a candy bar? Not really. I can pass that up. But I digress...

The good news is that I was able to sleep in this morning. I fed Sam at 7 and then put him back in his crib to hang out or sleep. Not quite sure what he did, but when I got him at 10 he was happy as a lark. I love that guy!

On the creative front, here is a card that I made for a friend that I have been thinking about lately...I hope she enjoys it. Don't you love that stamp? I got it on sale at Stampology in Chicago - it's my favorite stamping boutique. ;)

Happy Saturday!

Some Cards

Matt's sister Becca and her husband Matt Kubo came into town this weekend and we were able to celebrate his birthday on Tuesday...while I don't have pictures of the actual birthday party, I do have a picture of the card that I created for him!

Rewind...

I wanted to share some pictures of us out on the lake a couple of weekends ago. Matt, Sam, Rachel and I went out on a big boat for a trip to downtown Knoxville, lunch and some time at Market Square.

We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the comfort of cruising on such a luxurious boat!

Sam hammed it up for the camera, of course. :) There are more pics and cards to share soon...

Thanks for checking in and have a wonderful day whatever you are up to!

The Gang's All Here...

I have been busy hanging out with the Guilford family since Thursday. Matt's Aunt "Titi Elaina" and Sara are here staying with us.

We have been quite busy...Saturday we went out to the fireworks show in Fort Loudon, Sunday we went to church and a Smokies game and yesterday we went to Gatliburg. Phew.

Today is a day of rest and Elaina, Grandma, Sam and I are hanging out at my home. I will be in touch with some more fun pics...