Clip-n-curl {seeking inward beauty}

We have a funny joke in our family amongst us girls! Whenever someone's hair looks great and we complement them, we always come back with a quote from a favorite movie and say.."oh I just walked down to the clip-n-curl "

Have you ever seen "Wild Hearts Can't be Broken"?  Probably one of my top 10! 

Anyway...Isabel and I have had fun lately pretending she's at the clip-n-curl..trying new braids and such! She likes me to take a picture of the back so she can see it each time :)  Growing up, my Mom always took the time to fix our hair so lovely!  She always assured that we took care of ourselves. And to this day, you won't catch my Mom in public without lipstick on. She enstilled in us how important it is to take care of ourselves. Not neccesarily for outward beauty, but as biblically taught to treat our bodies as temples.  Gods temple is Holy, and inside of it is the Holy Spirit, if we are believers. 

Now that's not to say we don't have days where we don't fix up! (If we are staying in, of coarse) it's really not about outward beauty, although I love shopping and style as much as the next girl....true beauty does radiate from her heart if she is to come across beautiful. What's uglier than a sneed face or unkind speech? 

It is our prayer that Isabel will always know where her beauty comes from, her little heart!  She is a happy girl, confident, strong, yet gentle and teachable.  Life may not always be smiles and lovely braids, but we can teach our girls to react with grace, always seeking the good.  

And to end each morning with a fun little quote after we have gotten ready.....of coarse....

"You're never fully dressed, without a smile". 

Happy FRIDAY!!!!!

Put a braid in your hair and have 

some fun!!!!!  

Jackson Hole DIY photo shoot

I wanted to share with you the rest of our pictures from a visit to Jackson Hole in the late Fall

of 2013!  I just love these pictures for many reasons. On this day in particular, Luke and Isabel were just loving on each other and really enjoying the beauty of the day.  Good thing too, because this was the only chance for Christmas card photos.  I am obviously no professional but with a nice camera, anyone can take beautiful photography!  You just have to have the eye.  I can't tell you enough what a special place Jackson, WY is.  We always return here in any season because it is SO LAID BACK and relaxing.  Being only 4 1/2 hrs from our doorstep makes it even better!  Plenty to do with kids, a great ski school for kids, tons of great Thai restaurants, biking, hiking, and skiing and a great little downtown!  Then the entrance into Grand Teton Nat. Park is 2 minutes from Teton Village.  It's just awesome. Next time we visit, I am going to try to do a "city-guide" for us to remember all the super places to go there.   So needless to say, these pictures will always be special to us.

One of these will go on a big canvas over the fireplace soon.  Any votes on which one i should use?  Josh really likes the one of them sitting on the fence.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

Big Sky, Montana

A sunset photo taken by josh yesterday, of the beautiful Big Sky mountain. He is there for work.  A lovely and simple place that surpasses any expectations I had about the beauty of living among mountains.  Screensavermaterial!

San Francisco

Hello from the friendly skies!! Which come to think if it are not so friendly anymore.  I am on my way back to see my three loves!!!!! I can hardly wait.  Oh my goodness my heart is brimming full!  My family planned a very special trip this past week to San Francisco to celebrate my mom turning 60, and their 40th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe. As time passes, we grow and change and the times together then become even that much more precious and fragile. Having so many beautiful people in my life overwhelms me sometimes. I guess it inspires me to want to spread it though. Gratefulness spills out of me to our great God for this very unique once in a lifetime trip to such a beautiful place. 

So I will let these pictures somewhat speak for themselves....each day we are given is a gift.  Spend it wisely, share love, and never forget how precious life is!

Gorgeous weather...

The most giving, beautiful couple, so deserving and selfless....Cheers to their LOVE!!!!

Is this a dream??  Oh how I LOVE them

A million laughs....

Never enough time with the beautiful one and only...Kara Ann..

Perfection!

Thanks for the shades Shelly and Kara...keepin it classy!  

Napa ..

Lombard...

Napa market!! 

Sausalito, CA

Unforgettable...

Kids Thanksgiving Table

I love the idea of a kids table during Thanksgiving!  Growing up, there was always lots if us kids and having our own table made us feel special.  Even though it's just the twins this year, they have each other! I found this GREAT paper tablecloth at Target for them to keep themselves busy while I'm in the kitchen. It's huge so I cut it in three sections so they'll have a fresh one to color each day this week. Put on some children's holiday music and you will be feeling in the spirit in no time!

Pajamas required!

Happy happy happy Thanksgiving week!

Fresh and Thankful!

With all the heaviness and rich foods that come creaping in this season...I love to have a big display of fresh clementines available to grab. They are one of the prettiest fruits to me and a great way to get in some extra Vitamin C that we all need this time of year!

Is your menu finalized?!!! Turkey hats made? Stretchy denim jeans clean???!........

Our Thanksgiving table will be simple and traditional with a few added new flavors. Josh requested cookies and gravy! Ha! Simple enough. I found Ina's gravy recipe that I think sounds wonderful!  I hope he approves. I am also trying a new salad to add a lightness to all the heavy sides. And don't you love the idea of mini pies? It just makes sense and they're so cute to look at.

I hope you enjoy this week and just slow down!  Not everything has to be perfect...in fact, it's so much better when it's not!  And from a lovely sermon from our pastor this morning from 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 reminds us that we have enough of everything! Be thankful and realize what you have been given is enough. A wonderful reminder to start the season...

May God be at your table this Thanksgiving!

Salted Caramel Pie {It's almost TURKEY DAY!}

What can I say?

I really like pies.

Here's one for your Turkey day table! Mine is in the oven right now..as we are having some sweet guests over for supper {a friend who is expecting nearly any day} and I hope she loves this pie!

Follow this simple recipe.... Salted Caramel Pie

                                                                     LIFE.IS.SWEET.