Grandpa's Funeral

I had the opportunity to attend my Grandpa's funeral a few weeks ago. At the last minute I decided to go, eventhough I had a jewelry show the same day. It was a crazy weekend and quite emotional as I was prepping for my show and at the same time heading out of town. Luckily I had help and got everything squared away right up to the last minute. Well, because I was leaving on a Friday night I was not surprised to hit the evening commute and left early enough to make it still on time. But what I didn't anticipate was the LARGE quantity of the evening commute. When I finally arrived at JFK with 30 minutes to spare--they laughed in my face and turned me away. I was devastated and broke out into tears. For the next hour I was using every source I could to find any other plane leaving any of the other tri-state airports to Salt Lake City that night. No luck--my plane was the last flight out in the area and that was at 7:45 p.m. Anyway, I ended up taking the first flight the next day. I missed some of the funeral service but was still able to say my goodbyes to my grandpa and see my family. Three hours later I was back at the airport flying home. It was a quick trip but well worth it.

Brothers, Dad and in-laws

Sisters Marleen and Christine--just missing Julene who just had Benjamin

A few of my beautiful cousins who I haven't seen in a very long time

My other beautiful cousin Liz

Broadway Paper

Lots of fun paper, stationary, box cards over at Broadway Paper. But my favorite is their fun holiday gift wrap and tissue papers.

Decorating Winner

I'm glad to hear that the Domino Decorating Winner actually did all the decorating on her own and didn't hire a designer. This room looks fabulous! The owner painted and stenciled the door panels and her bed, completely renovated the vanity and made and painted silk organza curtains. I guess too much paint can't do too much harm.

Cinematic Moments

I chuckled when I saw this in my Parenting magazine...Oh the joys of motherhood!

Finally! Family Pictures

We FINALLY got professional family pictures taken, which is a must since we aren't the best photographers as you have witnessed. The last family picture taken was when Stella was a newborn. Yup! That long ago. So, I've been very eager to get them taken. My friend Julie, who is an amazing photographer (check out her blog--she has breathtaking pictures of her beautiful children), captured my camera-shy kids and us frizzled parents. I must say that we weren't the best clients to work with, but Julie was compromising and patient with us and I'm so happy with the results. A big thank you to Julie Christensen Photography! I can now hang some family pictures on my walls. Here's a few of my favorites:

Decal Design

I love this craft project from Martha Stewart and think it would be a great for all the "little" presents to give away. All you have to do is get some cheap ceramic containers (dollar store), import images in a photo-editing program. Print onto clear water-slide decal paper. Spray sheet with clear acrylic coating to set. Cut out images and affix. I love that it can be customized.

Crib Rock Onesies

What a cute idea having nursery rhymes on onesies. Crib Rock makes these adorable onesies with a rock twist. Don't be surprised if Apple, Suri, Shiloh has sport around in them.

Holiday Handiworks Show

Holiday Handiworks Show is going on this week in the Boise Idaho area--Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Only three show dates to find beautiful, handmade gifts for everyone on your list. There will be door prizes and refreshments. If you are in the area or know someone else who is come and enjoy a night of fun. Click on image to get location information.

Fleecy Slippers

We do the family tradition of receiving a new pair of pajamas for Christmas. So with that present I need to get my kids slippers, since we have hard wood floors and your feet get cold in the winter time if they aren't covered. Hanna Andersson has some really cute slippers I'm thinking about getting for them.

Thanksgiving Recap

We had a yummy and enjoyable Thanksgiving shared with friends. I'm glad we changed the schedule around and ate at 2 p.m. instead of 4 p.m.--having a gap between food and dessert made round two more enjoyable. The weather was pleasant and a beautiful Fall day so we got out and walked off some of the consumed calories. The food was really good; however it was my fourth year burning the candied yams! I just can't get it down--although they were still edible and yummy. Also, I have given up on my Mom's homemade rolls. Last year I burnt them; this year I undercooked them. I kept telling myself that my Mom has had 20+ years of baking rolls. I only have a few pictures and still waiting for copies of pictures from the other cameras (hint, hint). My friend Heidi helped put together the table, which turned out really nice. For the name place cards we used little white pumpkins and attached berry branches with cards.

Our attempt of a family picture

We FINALLY had our first fire over the holiday weekend

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! I'm sure you all are slaving in the kitchen just like I am--right? Enjoy all the good food and eat lots of pie! I'll probably blog after the long holiday weekend.

{photo via Martha Stewart}

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy, Happy Birthday to my Mom! I must say that I think she is the bestest mom in the whole wide world. Guess what she did today for her birthday? Celebrate? Nope. She went and spent the day at my sister Julene's house taking care of her, her kids, her house, preparing food and helping out with the newborn. I must say that she is a very selfless person and has always put her children before herself. Most people might think my mom is crazy to have nine children, but she definitely has the qualities to pull it off with success. I think us Waite kids have all turned out pretty good. I have always admire her patience--she's got HUGE patience. I don't remember her ever raise her voice to me when I young. I'm one of those people who are happy to hear that I'm becoming like my mother--that's a compliment. I love that she gives me insights to motherhood, marriage, religion and life in general. And I thank her for giving me the memories of a wonderful childhood. It's so nice having her birthday near Thanksgiving because she's someone I'm always thankful for.

She's a beauty!

Mom with her girls

A happy couple

Place Cards

I want to do some kind of placement name card for the Thanksgiving table. I like some of these ideas from Martha.

Enjoying

I'm really enjoying my crespedias I recently bought at my local "market". Brings a little Fall into the house, and they make me smile when I walk pass them.

Plant Gift

For some reason I love to receive a flowering plant for the holidays. I think it's because everywhere I have ever live during the holidays, it's cold and dreary and lifeless. I remember one year when I worked for the ballet school in SLC, I received three different plant gifts from the some of the children. They all just brighten up my day, and I think that's when I become hooked. If I'm not going to receive it, I'm sure going to buy it myself or try to brighten someone's cold winter up.


{via Red Envelope and Restoration Hardware}

Welcome to the World Little Benjamin

My sister Julene FINALLY had her baby--just a week overdue. She was so patient and did not want to be induce but wanted the baby to come on his own. I'm so proud of her; I get so antsy the last few weeks of pregnancy. And he happened to be born on his daddy's birthday, such a wonderful gift. He looks so much like his older brother Joshua but with dark hair. Congratulations!

Personalized Gift Wrap

I adore these personalized gift wrap--perfect for Christmas and no need for a card.

Stroller Liners

I need to pick up a couple of these liners (one boy, one girl) from Booyah Baby to keep my tots' stroller clean. Seriously, I found tons of ants getting the last bites of crumbled-up gold fish the last time I opened up our double stroller. These liners are too cute to pass up--very stylish and machine washable.

Sending Thanks...

Thanks to my cousin Shayna for all her hardwork in making the Boston show happen. I put her through torture, but she was a trooper and we survived! And thanks to all the fine ladies who came out and shopped.

Organizing

I'm trying (it's a slow process) to get more organized, even down to my food. I'm feeling cluttered and storage is a big issue in these old homes.

Featured Vendors

I would like to feature a few of the vendors at the Tiny Treasure Boutique--all of their lovely pieces are handmade with tender care, and that's what makes them so unique and different.

The first vendor I would like to feature is Disenio Studios. These are handmade books along with notecards. Many of the books are bonded with a Japanese stitch, and no one book is alike. A few posts ago I put together a book for a babyshower, which was made by Disenio Studios. Very cute and tailored just to my liking.

The next vendor is Plain Zane. These are fun, functional blankets that tie to a stroller, car seat or baby carrier. So, no fear of losing your blanket (especially on those jog strollers). But they aren't only used to bundle your babe, they can also be used to cover up while nursing or as a changing pad. I now need to see if she'll make me a blanket large enough for a double jog stroller!

And the last vendor is Mutze hats. These warm knitted hats will keep the frost away from your ears, your husband's and your babe's. She's extended her line of must-have scarf hats to also baby booties, adult slippers and French berets (my favorite!).

Somber Weekend

My grandpa died this weekend. My heart is sad, but happy for him at the same time. He didn't want to live after my grandma died six years ago. And all of his siblings and their spouses have moved on to the next life. So, he was a lone (besides his children). I know his body is now back to it's youthful state, and he has embraced his eternal companion and finally met his parents (they died when he was only two years old) and his son (who also died in infancy) and his grandma who raised him and all his siblings. I know he is happy and that makes me happy...but it is still sad, especially since he was such an important figure in my life--someone that I did not want to let down and still don't. Although what brings me peace is to know that I will see him again, and death is only a part of living but not the end of living. Grandpa left behind six living children, 39 grandchildren, and 60+ great grandchildren. As I reflect on his life and the person he was, I feel so grateful to be apart of an amazing heritage.


Grandma and Grandpa Christensen


Last picture taken with Grandpa at his nursing home.

Storing Your Jewels

When I'm out selling my jewelry I'm surprised at the number of people who don't know how to properly store their jewelry pieces. If you want your jewelry looking its best with years of enjoyable wear, you've got to give them some loving care. And when you aren't dazzeling in your jewelry, store them in a protective jewelry bag or even a zip-lock bag. For larger pieces, dresser drawers come handy or a jewelry box. Here's some other simple rules:

• always put jewelry on after using cosmetics, hair spray or perfumes. The chemicals may cause damage to the stones.



• don't wear jewelry to bed. It prevents possible damage.



• avoid wearing jewelry in the shower, swimming, working out or washing dishes. It not only dims the shine, but also can shorten the life of the jewels.

And remember, the one metal that requires a lot of maintenance is sterling silver. When it's exposed to air, it naturally tarnishes and requires occasional cleaning. So, when your sterling piece isn't on you, put it in a zip lock bag--not just thrown in a jewelry box or on the top of your dresser. The good thing about sterling silver it that it can be cleaned to it's original luster. Click here for more jewelry care info.

{images via Domino}