aimee bee

weekend plans

2012-02-18T10:29:00.000-06:00

This weekend is a 3 day weekend for me.

3 day weekend=big plans

Here are my weekend plans:

.repaint entertainment center (above)

.blog

.craft sabbath sunday
.listen to this podcast series

.journal/read/reflect

.run

What are your weekend plans? Send me a link!

for christopher

2012-02-12T16:50:00.004-06:00

This is my favorite picture of Christopher.

It was taken early in the morning on our vacation last summer and a little coffee shop in a town of no more than a few hundred people

We had spent the last 4 days hiking and camping along the Columbia River Gorge that borders Oregon and Washington. We had no clue where we were going, who we would see and what we would do; yet we were up and ready for our next adventure.

I love Chris for many reasons.

But one of the things that is so great about him is that no matter where I am it always feels like home when I am with him.

Happy 26th birthday Christopher!

b & a: redecorated dresser

2012-02-12T15:52:00.000-06:00

Okay... so I procrastinated...
forgive me please because

Here's my redecorated dresser!

This dresser has lots of history.

It dates back to Chris' childhood. It sat in his bedroom at his Mom's as he grew up. We inherited it when we got married, and it quickly became our entertainment center for 2 years.

Since August it has been sitting in our bedroom. At first I threatened to sell it. To my surprise Chris refused. Too much history for him to let go. After some talking we came to a compromise- we keep it if I have my way with it. And my way with it I have had!

I was waiting to post photographs until I had dresser knobs. Just imagine some creamy wooden knobs on there, which is what it will look like as soon as Chris can drill some thicker holes for me.

I especially love the extra touches with the dresser:

Kennedy and Lincoln: little trinkets from Chris' childhood box

thrifted lamp and lampshade gifted frame (that needs a photo)

thrifted mirror for $15

I think that mirror needs a little cleaning...
don't you think?

btw: lindsay your kitchen island inspired me!

craft sabbath kinda day

2012-02-05T16:19:00.003-06:00

happy sunday friends.
happy craft sabbath.
first of all- if you would like to enter a giveaway of mine hosted by my friend lesley, go here.

now, where were we?
craft sabbath.
today was restful, rejuvenating and joyful. check out our day in photos:

See that dresser?
...or rather part of that dresser?
it is finished and i am so excited to show you
tomorrow.

p.s. thanks sam for taking photos of me!

diy valentine cozies

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Happy February.

Happy Friday.

Happy (early) Valentines.

In honor of vday, I made these fun coffee cozies:

Made from left-overs, these cozies were made of felt, fabric and my handy sewing machine.

They are super easy to make if you would like to make one yourself: I started by buying a cup of joe and using the sleeve as a pattern to cut my felt. Once cut I sewed a fabric heart along one side and stitched up the ends.

Then enjoy your favorite fresh brewed... maybe with someone you love!

valentine garland

2012-01-31T18:36:00.000-06:00

Today is exciting.

Number one: it is the last day of January. Man time is flying by... But it has been such a good year so far. If I could describe this year in two words it would be life and peace. I have definitely been enjoying it.

Number two: chris and I got word last night that we will be spending our summer in Estes Park, Colorado and we are so excited. (More on this later).

Another reason today is exciting: I finally was able to get home before it was too dark and take photos of my valentine inspired garlands. (Chris has been very wonderful to allow these to take over our home lately).

And here they are:

These are super easy to make. I just used scrapbook paper + yarn and had a hayday. Enjoy hearting your home. Send me a link if you do!

happy bday momma!

2012-01-24T21:13:00.001-06:00

kolbi, momma and me

Today is my momma's birthday.

(Happy Birthday Mom!)

She is 50.

The big 50.

But she doesn't look it.

I made her German Chocolate Cake on Sunday to celebrate.

It was my *first* layered cake.

My *first* German Chocolate Cake.

And it kind of fell apart.

I kind of fell apart too when it kind of fell apart.

For about 30 minutes I cursed baking entirely and made plants to give it up altogether.

Then I decided to learn from my mistakes (thanks to Christopher's consoles).

Momma, forgive me for my deflated cake.

Next year I promise it will be better.

I love you!

tim and mom

kolbi, tim, mom and corey

christopher, tim and corey

a moment

2012-01-21T23:43:00.000-06:00

yesterday i had a moment. you know, like one of those moments when everything in the room becomes completely silent and all you are focused on and all you can see is the one thing you are in awe of.

...
group of my friends and i ventured downtown to artrageous, an art event that happens in columbia 4x a year. it was bitterly cold but we endured. we went from art gallery to art gallery looking at all the beautiful finds and inspiration.

and i was inspired.

i have always loved restored art. when someone takes something very old and makes something very new and beautiful and enchanting. and i have to say: i was enchanted.

one artist in particular caught my eye: jenny mcgee. what i loved about her art was that it was earthy and redemptive. i loved that she took old pieces like doors and window panes and revamped them into something beautiful. these are things i have always dreamed of doing. i thought to myself: the next time i see a window pane (that's super cheap) i am going to let my inspiration take me.

and then today it happened. chris and i were thrifting, looking for a gift when i saw them: stacks and stacks of window panes. i was so excited i almost peed myself. so i bought myself a nice fancy window pane (along with an oversized old-fashioned mirror). this will be my next thing. i am so excited.

now all i need is time.

our bedroom

2012-01-17T22:23:00.001-06:00

I didn't get home in time to take photos of my heart garlands, but I thought I would show you around our (finally) finished bedroom.

Actually, I take that back... I don't think any room in our apartment is ever quite "finished" because everything is always a work in progress around the Swift household. Things change and get repurposed constantly.

But if you were to walk into our apartment anytime soon (on a good day) you may find our bedroom looking a little like this (most other times there might be tons of clothes lying around on the floor):

Some things I love about our bedroom:

. the canopy (especially now that it is white)

. the blue glass thrifted for our wedding

. the handmade leather journal from my dad, for writing stories of my kiddos at school

. the hidden lamp behind our canopy

. loads of baskets to hide miscellaneous things (because is it just me or do I have a trillion "misc. items?")

. the reclaimed coffee tin from christmas now being used as a plant pot

. that it is unique and us and so made by hand

reclaimed chocolate box

2012-01-16T17:31:00.001-06:00

I've been in the mood for hearts lately. I don't really know why, but for some reason this year I was so over Christmas and ready to move forward. (I even wanted to take down my tree before Christmas). Hearts helped me to move on.

Since last year I've had this old heart chocolate box sitting around in my craft box and I've wanted to do something with it. It wasn't until yesterday that I did just that.

Reclaimed Heart Chocolate Box Craft:

if you're me: add felt!

and next I can't wait to show you all the heart garlands hanging around my home.

Maybe pictures tomorrow?

diy 2011

2012-01-10T20:00:00.002-06:00

Lately I have been doing lots of reflecting.

I think this to be pretty good for the soul.

I'd like to imagine that someday when I am old, gray and calm I might sit on my porch with a cup of joe and just reflect. Maybe for days at a time. I think that would be just lovely.

Maybe there will be time for that in heaven, too.

In my reflection, I looked back at my little blog over the year with a smile. So much life. So much art. So much joy. Some sadness too.

Here are some of my favorite diy's from 2011:

welcome love sign

button bouquet

reupholstered chest

felt wedding

martha pillowcase bag

banner and bunting

recovered photo album

white baskets

lamp + endtables

tree silhouette

baby hoop art

couch pillows

fall wreathes

felt flower pins and clips

coffee cozies

repurposed coffee tins

advent calender and more

crochet winter headbands

cheers to diy 2012

and to having 3 months of summer (crafting)

barista skills

2012-01-09T19:20:00.002-06:00

Okay.

I don't want to brag but- I am becoming quite the little at-home latte maker.

Being a used-to-be barista really helps.

We got an espresso maker for Christmas.

A cheap espresso maker. (+ bought on black Friday = even cheaper)

At first my lattes were just all right. I regretted being cheap.

But then I started messing with the concentrations of the espresso+vanilla+milk.

I changed it a bit from the industrial espresso maker, and now- it is quite de.lish.

Come on over and try.

I will show you.

Speaking of lattes, I will have new coffee cozies to add to my shop later this week that go pretty well with Valentine's Day.

And speaking of coffee cozies (okay this is a stretch) check out this book that is being released later this spring by one of my favorite bloggers, Stephanie Nielson- author of NieNie Dialogues.

Can you tell?

2012-01-08T16:20:00.000-06:00

I love...

my new cat eye glasses.

Sometimes I get a little full of myself and take lots of pictures, too.

Sorry. I just really like them. :)

giveaway winners!

2012-01-04T20:04:00.000-06:00

Giveaway winners!

Hello! I apologize for being absent yesterday. I was very sick. I came home from school, took two pills and went promptly to bed at 5:30pm on my couch. I woke up once when my hubby came home at 6pm and another time at 9pm to eat some yogurt. I think I was carried to bed. I really don't remember.

After about 12 hours I woke up ready to start today. It was awesome and I feel tons better!

But... enough of that! Two of you are oh-so-lucky to win a headband!

Ashleigh of Love. Joy. Laughter. won the green headband and

lorraine won the berry headband

Ladies, please email me at aimeelaurenswift {at} gmail {dot} com with an address where I can mail your winter headband!

Enjoy your day tomorrow. It's already halfway through the week!

new year's giveaway!

2012-01-01T13:28:00.000-06:00

happy new year!

happy christmas!

happy 2012!

Chris and I arrived home yesterday afternoon after being away from our home for a week + a day. I was sooo ready to curl up in our bed and sit at my kitchen table. I was also ready to have internet again.
(Staying at my papa's = no internet)

So, this morning Christopher and I woke up late, made some pancakes and began discussing our goals for this year. We also reflected on our goals last year. Did we meet them? What are our goals for this year? Why the heck should we make any goals?

Today is a day of reflection and thinking. I have decided.

But before I shut myself off from the world and do those things, I thought I would share one of my goals for this year that I already know I want to do. And that is to give away more of my crafts on aimee bee. So, to bring in the new year, I thought I would give away two of the winter crochet headbands I made as Christmas gifts!

Most of the sisters in my family received one of these for Christmas...
(+ the ones above)

Below are two headbands of similar style to ones that I gave as Christmas gifts.
These are the two I would like to give away!

The above headband was made with Lion Brand Tweed Mixed Berry Striped yarn, by alternating single and half-double crochet stitches. A light pink button is stitched on one side of the headband to allow for adjustable sizing.

The next headband was made with Lion Brand Fern yarn, with single crochet stitches throughout and an attached flower at one side. There is also a light green button stitched on one side of the headband to allow for adjustable sizing.

...

How you can enter the giveaway:

*write a comment telling me a new year goal of yours (and which color you would like)
*begin following my blog

[If you already follow my blog, just tell me so when you comment and I will count your entry twice]. I will draw a name from a bowl on Tuesday night! (January 3rd)

Enjoy today, January 1st!
2012

on holiday

2011-12-27T22:56:00.000-06:00

This is the life.

Watching The Polar Express all day.

Filling up on cookies, "coffee" (otherwise known as milk with a dash of coffee), and cuties.

Playing legos, blocks and angry birds.

And best of all... getting to cuddle with Aunt Mimi.

Yes, I think Diesel has the life.

p.s. Can you spot a little boy under that large pile of blankets?

I can.

merry christmas!

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

christmas eve

2011-12-24T13:02:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve!

Last week Christopher and I were visited by one of Chris' old friends, Thomas. Thomas lives in Alaska and is in the beginning of a one-year travel hiatus. We were blessed with his presence in our little home for a few days. Thanks for visiting Thomas!

Tonight as we are celebrating Christmas, I will be thinking about how blessed we are to have family and friends to holiday with. Here are some highlights from last year's Christmas:

*the magic tree

*swiftmas on queen ann drive

*our greeting

*a white christmas

*saying goodbye

tis the season

2011-12-18T14:12:00.002-06:00

Well, ladies and gents, the weekend is about over.

I have been wipping out crafts left and right.

Unfortunately, they are all Christmas gifts, so I can't give tutorials until after Christmas, as to not give the away the surprise to my dear family and friends. But just you get ready. Until then, enjoy more pictures from our 2nd and 3rd Christmas party this weekend. The 4th to be had tonight.

(Btw, I have been enjoying the excuse to get dolled up. Quite lovely, if you ask me!)

kirstin and me

dinner at the shields

me and ari

the ladies (minus the mommas who left early)

the men (minus the daddy's that left early)

the shields (+ baby bump shield) the chavezs

kirstin, david and andrew

me and my beau

melissa and emily erin and me

ari ready to leave (trapped in her cave)

me and marissa david and chris

marissa and david

oh, christmas tree

christmas party #2: formal dinner and dessert at the shields

christmas party #3: swiftmas cookie exchange

ugly christmas sweater party

2011-12-15T17:32:00.001-06:00

It's Christmas season, and Christmas parties are upon us. One last weekend (below), two this weekend and family get-togethers in the weeks following. I love this time of the year!

Don't you?

Isn't she a cuuuuutie?

I love this little Boone.

take caution

2011-12-13T19:16:00.001-06:00

tonight something very embarrassing,

(but also funny), happened to me.

it's winter season.

so naturally i have lots of boogers (with the colds and all, you know).

and so tonight i was trying to get at one of those boogies when my knee bumped my elbow, which bumped my finger that was right up there in my left nostril.

all was not well.

after 3 kleenexes stuffed in my nose and 10 minutes my left nostril is getting a bit back to normal.
so moral of the story: take caution when getting at those boogies.

(because you know you all do that too, during cold season of course)

p.s. i was going to post some christmas party pics but i think this post is enough in itself. tomorrow will have to do.

advent + my messy life

2011-12-07T16:34:00.001-06:00

ladies and gents,

i am failing at my home.

but this week, i am ~~somewhat~~ okay with it.

i'm okay with these shoes that almost made it to the shoe basket.

and these and these that didn't quite get that far.

and, man, look at all that laundry.

piles of laundry.

(most not folded)

then there's my crochet stuff, that has somehow found a new home on my couch since sunday.

my table is just another place for mail...

and don't even get me started on my kitchen

...

but at least i've got something going for me:
my advent calender that i showed yesterday

here she is:

and man, look at this little cutie.

love her.

my (advent) project

2011-12-06T20:25:00.001-06:00

Hey friends.

Guess what I have been working on?

Take a peak:

Any guesses? I'll give you a hint, my inspiration is here.

It's finished but I haven't been home in the evenings when it's light out, so I am waiting for a natural lighting photo. I'll show you soon!

glasses

2011-11-29T17:19:00.001-06:00

I really need some new glasses. I used to wear glasses all of the time, because I loved my glasses. That was way back in the day.

I went to my eye doctor recently. She told me that I was overusing my contacts and recommended to get a pair of glasses that I felt comfortable wearing, so that I would wear them more often and give my eyes a bit of a rest. I think I am okay with that.

Now comes the difficult part...

choosing a pair.

I found a very cool website called Warby Parker. They let you do an at-home try on for free. And they are like Toms Shoes but with glasses. (For each pair you buy, they donate a pair to someone in need). Above are the 5 glasses they sent me last week.

I was about to order the pair on the bottom right, when I discovered these. My dream: cat eye glasses, yet updated. Now I am trying to decide between mixed reviews and prices, I am leaning toward these. Any thoughts?

repurposed for christmas

2011-11-28T21:11:00.001-06:00

During Thanksgiving break I took some time to work on a few crafts for Christmas. One of those is a re-purposed idea for organizing various household items Christmas style.

Here's what you need:

tin cans, left over wrapping paper, white paper, marker, scissors
( + tape)

cut some leftover wrapping paper

write a label

wrap around tin and tape

and there you have it:

a quick,

cheap,

re-purposed idea for decorating for Christmas, while staying organized.

**And look at that little lion man that is in my "to mail" tin. **
Sorry ash, it might not be until Christmas until little Sawlie gets his bday present back. :)

What are some of YOUR diy decorating Christmas ideas?

thankgiving in photos

2011-11-27T12:27:00.001-06:00

I am very thankful for my family.

This week was a wonderful, restful time with my family.

Not everyone was there.

It was a harder holiday than I thought it would be, missing my WA family.

But, it was blessed. And that I am thankful for.

I had such a great time resting, baking, crafting, listening, chatting and catching up. I have so many posts to share! (So many, in fact, I am tempted to do a blogger no-no and post more than one post in one day).
Maybe I will wait. (Two craft tutorials to come!)

Either way, here are some photos of my Thanksgiving:

*Thanksgiving at Papa's with Momma's side of the family*
*Thanksgiving/Christmas on Main Street in my hometown (St. Charles, MO) with Daddio's side of the family*

a good day

2011-11-23T23:02:00.001-06:00

Today I made this, this and finally now I am finishing these. And I saved $10+ with coupons at the grocery store. It's been a good day.

...

Happy (early) Thanksgiving!

my love for vistaprint...

2011-11-20T19:32:00.001-06:00

I loooooove vistaprint.

It is amazing.

Seriously.

I use it for my classroom...

I've used it for announcements and thank you's...

I've used it for Christmas cards...

And this year we are going to use it once again for our Christmas postcard,
because it seriously is an amazing deal.
(100 postcards for free! heck yes!)

We took our tripod and camera out this weekend and tried to do a cheap-o photoshoot, but the wind didn't help much. Tonight I am downloading and editing. Hopefully we have at least ONE good photo for this year's postcard.

We. shall. see.

cozy tutorial

2011-11-19T09:41:00.001-06:00

A few days ago I showed you the fun cozies I made for this winter season. I thought that it would be mighty fine of me to share with you how I made these if you are interested in making your own for Christmas gifts... or maybe just for you!

Here is a tutorial for a to-go coffee cozy:

Finally... Give or Enjoy!

You can find more examples here or if you'd rather just buy some go here.

I can also make some personalized ones. Email me at aimeelaurenswift {at} gmail {dot} com for more info. Happy weekending! Happy craft sabbathing!

cozies and etsy

2011-11-14T22:21:00.001-06:00

Some of the items that will be available this Christmas in my shop are cozies.

I love cozies.

There are so many reasons to love them.

They're cute.

They're eco-friendly.

They are affordable (at least mine are).

They show your originality.

Check out some of my cozies here or send me a message to make a personalized one for someone on your Christmas list. I'd love to!

email me at: aimeelaurenswift {at} gmail {dot} com

craft sabbath

2011-11-13T21:48:00.001-06:00

Like I said earlier I am in the process of changing my blog around a bit. Don't be surprised if more changes happen this week.

Today we had a wonderful craft sabbath.

It included:

baby

crocheting

knitting and

mario cart.

...

p.s. Look for some upcoming posts on things I will be adding to my shop.

Do I hear CHRISTMAS GIFTS! :)

new look

2011-11-13T08:17:00.001-06:00

so... my blog has a bit of a new look. i have been trying out different designs. this is one that i like so far and has stuck, but there may be a few more changes before all is said and done.

any suggestions?

p.s. craft sabbath this morning with my girls. if you're in como and would like to come from 9am-12pm call me asap. happy sunday!

headbands

2011-11-08T19:15:00.000-06:00

Lately, I have been loving headbands.

I made these two crocheted headbands last week.

Then I picked up this super cute leaf headband from target yesterday.

(I told Chris it was an early Christmas present from him).

Isn't fall wonderful?

oklahoma boys: through the lens

2011-11-02T20:45:00.003-05:00

I promised some photos of my oklahoma boys.

Here they are:

...

stacked chairs and opened cabinets is from when chris and diesel poltergeisted our friends.

saw had major boogers all weekend, especially in that last photo

happy november!

playing mommy

2011-10-25T20:03:00.003-05:00

little saw and me at chuck-e-cheese

This weekend was my chance to play mommy.

Not that I am anywhere close to mommy in the eyes of Diesel and Sawyer, but for me it was a chance to see what a weekend with two little ones running around feels like.

It was quite the experience.

The boys arrived on Friday evening to a spotless apartment. The carpets were vacuumed. The candles were lit, and dinner was baking.

After only minutes of having them, our apartment was trashed.

At first I cared. I would run behind them with a little wet rag cleaning up all their little spots from oreos to spilt milk and banana mush.

But then, after so many of those little spots... I stopped caring.

Chris and I did a good job of maintaining our normal orderly apartment in small opportunities, like when the boys were sleeping or watching tv... but for the majority of the time it remained like that.

There were other things that we stopped caring about like that too... like our time.

Throughout the weekend different thoughts raced through my head like. "Wow, I can't believe I'm at chuck-e-cheese right now. On a normal Saturday like this I would be relaxing at home making crafts or hunting through some thrift stores. Instead I am chasing after a four-year old through the chuck-e-cheese maze of games to win as many tokens as possible."

Again, at first I thought that I missed my time. The time that was just to myself. The time in which I got to pick and choose what I want to do- my weekend.

But then I saw little D's face when he picked out his balloon with the tokens he won and the creativity as I watched him paint his little pumpkins. And then I felt Saw's tug on my leg to pick him up and cuddle and all the giggles and smiles and (oh don't even get me started on) bath time.

And I realized, that all that stuff: the smiles, the imagination, the sweetness, the cleverness, the cuddle time, the books and the fun conversations is way better than any craft I have ever made and any feeling I ever had from a clean apartment. It was so much better.

We met Ash and David in Springfield Sunday to drop off the boys. I didn't cry when we said our goodbyes. I didn't cry when we drove home. And I didn't cry on our walk up the stairs.

But as soon as we walked in our door and I saw the leftover banana mush on my table,

and the uneaten purple pancakes on D's plate,

and the haunted hallooween books by the bathtub

I cried.

And I kept crying.

I cried when I found one of Diesel's socks in the dryer.

I cried when Chris found Saw's lion behind my tv.

And I cried when I saw the other half of D's firetruck under our entertainment center.

I even cried when I saw Saw's diaper in our trash can.

(Yes, I did).

And so I am infected.

Infected with this love of being an aunt

... and maybe someday in the future a mommy.

...
p.s. more pictures of our weekend surely to come
and
i started putting things up in the shop!

baby-proof

2011-10-18T19:10:00.004-05:00

Tonight I am baby-proofing my house for these sweet babies.
They (D and Saw) arrive on Friday for a much needed aunt and uncle weekend..
I can't wait.

friday + coffee sleeves

2011-10-14T18:20:00.000-05:00

It's friday.

Hallelujah.

Here are a few more things I've been crafting up this week for my etsy shop:

cerulean sleeve

rocket sleeve

Don't you just want one for your next coffee date?

thrift store thursday

2011-10-13T18:06:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago Chris and I snagged these additions to our kitchen and

i love.

COFFEE sign $3.00 from Salvation Army

Coffee mug rack $10.00 from Itchy's Flea Market

(a bit over my price range, but I have been looking for one for years)
blue and yellow coffee mugs $0.25 a piece at Salvation Army

...

What have you been thrifting lately?

dear jesus

2011-10-11T19:03:00.000-05:00

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for the fall.

I think it is my favorite (...well besides spring).

There was one year that I missed it, the fall.
I should never do that again.

Thank you for the beautiful afternoons
and the hand-held walks it brings with my hubby.

Thank you for the beauty.
of colors.
and change.

Beauty like yours.

Thank you for the intricacies of your beauty.

Though it brings death to some,
it brings rest and hope of new life for others.

Thank you for this afternoon,

to see it clearly.

...

p.s. If you want to know the science behind why leaves change color in the fall, read this article that my students read last week. Then you will know just why this happens!

felt flower clippies and pins

2011-10-09T17:21:00.000-05:00

If you saw my blog post from yesterday, then you know that I am planning to re-open my etsy shop in a few weeks. Until then I am showing off some of the projects that I am working on.

Here are a few more:

p.s. today i craft sabbathed with a different crew than normal.

i'll share a little more of that tomorrow (hopefully!)

my crazy idea

2011-10-08T18:27:00.000-05:00

I mentioned last week that I have been working on a secret project.

Now that I am in the process, I decided I would share the beginnings of my secret project.

my crazy idea.

And that idea is to re-start my etsy account.

Last year during grad school I decided to take a break and close shop.

Now that I am a bit more settled, I decided its about time to get into the swing of things.

My plan is to open shop in a few weeks, but I thought that until then I can show off some of the items that will be available. I also thought that I could open the floor to any of you who may want to make requests and suggestions.

Because I am taking both.

12'' x 12''

mellow yellow wreath

6'' x 6''

fancy lady wreath

6'' x 6''

sweetly fall wreath

So:
thoughts?
encouragements?
suggestions?
requests?

I'm all ears.
(or eyes to read I guess I should say)

dinner tonight

2011-10-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

dinner tonight: chicken on the ritz

what did you have for dinner?

oh, for the love of felt.

2011-10-03T21:34:00.002-05:00

Right now I am working on a secret project.

I am really excited to share it.

But until it's complete... I will wait.

Until then, I will give you hints:

I will also tell you:
that it has something to do with fall and winter,
it's something you can buy,
and involves lots of felt.
oh, for the love of felt.
...

p.s. please send prayers for chris' family. they are going through a hard time of loss right now.

thanks.

repurposed for fall + craft sabbath

2011-09-25T16:20:00.001-05:00

This morning I woke up early at 7am.

I couldn't sleep.

I woke up with a vision for my nerf ball/tree painting,

to make it fit with fall.

So I scavenged through my scrapbook paper and recycling bin to find fall colored paper.

I was invisioning fall birdies.

This is what I came up with:

Then at 9am I was greeted by 8 lovely ladies for Craft Sabbath.

Our theme this week was crocheting.

9 girls and lots of yarn.

Lots of learning, relaxing, coffee, muffins and donuts.

I am already ready for our next one.

What did you do on this beautiful last Sunday in September?

i am a light

2011-09-19T15:40:00.003-05:00

You are the light of the world.

A city on the hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let you light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-15

I am a light.

craft sabbath: fall wreath

2011-09-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

Last night Christopher and I bought 3 new fall scented candles.

Cinnamon roll

spiced apple

and lemon tart.

The smell in our apartment is heavenly.

To add to the wonderful smells of fall I decided to create a fall wreath for our door for craft sabbath.

I was inspired by this wreath.

After simplifying it a bit, this is what I came up with:

Wreath- $1.00 from the Dollar Tree

Felt $1.00 JoAnns

+ hot glue/scissors/door hook

Pretty cheap diy (and fun) if you ask me!

this saturday morning

2011-09-17T13:01:00.002-05:00

This morning:

sleeping in to 8am

homemade zucchini bread

brunch with the girls

+ coffee.

...

also, if you're a parent or ever considering being a parent you should read this article shared by my seester.

fall

2011-09-14T18:18:00.001-05:00

It is fall. overnight.

and I need to cut my bangs.

Bull Shoals Lake

2011-09-06T20:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I hate to say it but it looks as though I'm becoming a once-a-week blogger. I plan to eventually get back into my posting/crafting routine as before... but being a first year teacher is way busier than I could have ever imagined.

Suprise. Surpise.

Everyone told me:

"The first year will be the worst!"

"You will be so busy!"

"It's so crazy insane!"

I thought:

Yeah right. You ain't me. Insane is my middle name.

Well, I'm discovering my middle name is more like tired, sleepy, and/or exhausted.

Don't get me wrong. I love my job. I love teaching. I feel very assured that this is the place for me for this time in my life. But I am 100% tired each day when I walk in my door. The last thing I want to do is smile, make dinner, be nice and blog. Sorry folks.

With that being said, I think there will be a time in the near future when I will get back to that place, when I finally have a feel for my schedule and business, when I will know when to stop and when to go. Until then, expect much less of me people. Seriously.

Now, please enjoy some lovely photos from my awesome Labor Day weekend at Bull Shoals Lake with our good buddies. It was amazing...

Great, great weekend. Would totally go again.

Happy September!

craft sabbath: open craft day

2011-08-28T14:15:00.005-05:00

today was the first craft sabbath of the school year.

i decided to do it in style... with my girls.
today was an open craft
BYOC:
bring your own craft

i finished a mobile for baby ari

many other things were made/worked on:
*a patched-up pair of pants*
*a colored page from a coloring book*
*a knit cardigan*
*a patched-up jacket*
*a knit pair of baby slippers*

it was a great way to begin a sunday morning!

What did you do on this beautiful sunday?

nana

2011-08-25T05:36:00.001-05:00

My sister wrote an amazing post about my Nana yesterday. It's perfect. You can read it here.

our dining room: an artist's palette

2011-08-17T19:13:00.007-05:00

I promised a few weeks ago that I would share some pictures of our new apartment. I hesitate to do so because it is a work in progress... We wanted to take advantage of the move (and extra space) to create new pieces of art for our home. Unfortunately, this means that until we get time to create, we will have some bare walls and spaces. (And a lack of dining room chairs).

I'm pretty sure I am okay with that though. It will be well worth it.

With that being said, I really wanted to show our new dining room, what we are calling an artist's palette because it is *full* of color. It is most definitely diy.

Check it out:

Inspiration for bookshelf and rainbow pattern

All the pieces on the bookshelves were important gifts or knick-knacks from our past that we loved.

"Let It Be" Beatles painting done by my little brother for my bday.

The painting on easel was from my 2D college class.

The framed quotes are greeting cards from the amazing artist Brian Andres that I matted with scrapbook paper and framed with old frames we already had.

The table runner is an old craft sabbath of mine and the wooden bowl was handmade by my papa and given to us as a wedding gift two years ago.

Like I said: the majority of the room was diy.

And. I. Love. It.

(but we still need dining room chairs)

buster's bday

2011-08-16T23:05:00.003-05:00

today is my little brother's birthday.
happy 23rd birthday buster!
i love you!

...

This month I began the book of Psalms starting on August 1st with Psalm 1. Today I read Psalm 16 and found it peaceful, reassuring and relaxing. It seemed perfect for today. For now.

"Keep me safe, O god, for in you I take refuge.

I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord, apart from you I have no good thing.
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made know to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16

3 months later...

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

after 3 long months of planting, watering and tending to, my tomato plant finally produced these:

some people may not think it's worth it.
i think that it is great practice for that one special day when i will have a nice big backyard to plant 10 or maybe 20 of these, rather than 1 in a container on a 2nd floor porch.

...

p.s. today is my first official day of being a middle school science teacher.
it's only training, but wish me luck anyway!

craft sabbath and a baby

2011-08-11T11:38:00.005-05:00

Last weekend I had one of my first craft sabbaths in a long time. It made me realize how much they will be needed this year, just like last year and the year before.

I worked on recovering my couch pillows. Our couch has been handed down more than once and the pillows have been changed along with those hand-me-downs. Chris and I inherited the couches from our friend Miss when we first got married. She did a great job of recovering the pillows years before, but Chris and I were ready for a change, ready for colors that fit our apartment a little better.

So, I headed off to Joanns and purchased enough fabric to recover the 10 pillows that make up our couch. After 3 coupons and a ton of sales, I ended up spending about $28, which means about $2.80 per couch. (Pretty good if I do say so myself).

Here are some photos from my craft sabbath lens:

I think someone else approves too...

...

p.s. One of my best buddies, Erin, just had her baby yesterday. I had the pleasure of being in the room with her and her hubby during labor. She had little Arianna all natural and let me just say, she is one trooper. And I am so excited to finally have a niece!

for papa

2011-08-06T22:51:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was my papas birthday. His gift to himself was his first-ever laptop computer along with free tutoring lessons from his second granddaughter... muah.

It was really fun. We shopped around a bit until he found what he was looking for. Then we spent Friday evening at Panera and this morning at the public library learning the basics:
turning a computer on,
searching google,
searching amazon,
typing
and, of course, my and my sister's blog.
(The basics).

So, now that I know my papa is following my blog: papa, check out some photos from a few weeks ago when the oklahoma bakers were at your house for a visit:

...and papa: if you got this far, you're doing great!

newness

2011-08-03T20:59:00.002-05:00

new year.
new planner.
new job.
new apartment.
man, i love it.

p.s. this song is amazing!

hello world.

2011-08-01T22:38:00.002-05:00

hello world.
i am here.
we have moved.
i have a bazillion boxes in our little bigger apartment.
i have emptied about thirty and have lots to go.
i have also been doing laundry since friday.
(we have a washer/dryer now!)
please pray for me.
pictures to come soon!

I wish I were...

2011-07-28T08:32:00.005-05:00

...crafting.

I haven't been doing many crafts lately.

We have been SO busy.

From finishing school, hiking in the Pacific Northwest, going to Chicago and weddings and St. Charles and now packing... we'll just say that life has been chaotic. It seems that the only thing I have had time for is other people. Now, I don't think that is bad because I enjoy those things, but I am really needing a good craft sabbath for myself. You know?

Unfortunately, all my crafts are categorized in small and large boxes at least for the weekend. Bummer. I think I will have to schedule a craft sabbath for myself real soon.

Here is something I made early July and didn't have time to post:

felt phone protector

This was super easy to make. It required a small amount of felt and a sewing machine. I purposely left the top open so it would be easy to get to when my phone is ringing, but I think I will try another with a button flap to close.

My friend Aaron also showed me this one, which is another neat option.

Today is our last day of packing and tomorrow (finally) we move! Finally!

vacation: wrapping up

2011-07-27T09:21:00.009-05:00

Ok. Back from IKEA, bookshelf in hand, but still in boxes. Now, I just have to finish packing by Thursday night for our big move Friday. But before that I thought I would wrap up our vacation in photos.

day two:

Mulnomah Falls
Historic Columbia Gorge Highway, Oregon

Powell's Books
Portland, Oregon

Lunch at the Laughing Planet
Portland, Oregon

Cape Lookout State Park
Tillamook, Oregon

day three:

Sunrise on the beach and squinty eyes
Tillamook, Oregon

Breakfast at Blue Moon Cafe
Tillamook, Oregon

Finding our way
Oregon

The average condition of the road
George Pinchot National Forest, Washington

Mountain driving
George Pinchot National Forest, Washington

day four:

Planning our day at Butter Butte Coffee House
Packwood, Washington

my handsome hubby

Scenic stop (one of many)
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington

Scenic stop
Mt. Rainier National Forest, Washington

Grove of the Patriarchs
Mt. Rainier National Forest, Washington

Grove of the Patriarchs
Mt. Rainier National Forest, Washington

Our favorites and least favorites:
favorite town: Hood River, Oregon
favorite drive: Mt. Rainier National Forest, Washington
least favorite drive: George Pinchot National Forest, Washington
(we thought we were going to die)
favorite camping spot: Columbia River Gorge, Memaloose State Park
least favorite camping spot: Tillamook, Oregon; Cape Lookout State Park (it rained the whole time so we are biased)
if we could do it again (which we probably will someday): we would spend all of our time in Mt. Rainier National Forest and stay at the Paradise Inn during wildflower season

random thoughts on a sunday morning

2011-07-24T08:16:00.002-05:00

it's pretty early and i am pretty tired.
i coordinated my friends' wedding last night.
i think i got home sometime between 1-2am-ish.
you know what kept me up the whole way?
this.
every song is my favorite.
a-mazing.

now i'm leaving in 1.5 hours to go to IKEA in chicago.
wish me luck tomorrow!

vacation: pt. two

2011-07-23T12:44:00.001-05:00

While we were in Washington, Chris and I took a few days to have a mini-solo vacation. Early Monday morning we headed for our trip. Our first stop was the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River, Oregon area. We spent the early part of the afternoon walking around the downtown Hood River area and eating delicious cupcakes.

Then, we headed up to higher ground to get a better view of Mt. Hood. It was a clear day, so we were able to see it really well! After viewing Mt. Hood, we hiked a trail along the Columbia River Gorge. I was amazed by the beautiful wildflowers growing everywhere. Finally, we ended the day with setting up our tent at the campsite in Memaloose State Park.

The campsite was so fun and beautiful. Our spot was right along the Columbia River Gorge. It was breath-taking. Unfortunately, it meant for a super windy and restless night in the tent.

Was it worth it though? Heck yes it was.

Mt. Hood, Oregon (you might have to tip your computer to see)

cupcakes in Hood River, Oregon

I love wildflowers!

I really love wildflowers!

Hiking along the Columbia River Gorge

Hiking viewpoint along Columbia River Gorge

Our campsite for the night, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge in Memaloose State Park, Oregon

p.s. If you would like to follow my blog posts to read them regularly, scroll over to the right-hand side of my blog. There you can find "join this site" or enter your email address. Either way you will get a heads up on all my posts.

Have great Saturday!

vacation: pt. one

2011-07-22T12:33:00.004-05:00

dad's backyard porch, overlooking Kennewick area

On Friday July 8th Chris and I left on an evening flight for Kennewick, Washington. The home of my dad and family. We were really excited to spend time with them. Chris was also really excited to be "the furthest west he had ever been."

In the first weekend we were there, we visited Terra Blanca Winery, a beautiful hill with fields of gold, played lots of crochet in my dad's backyard, BBQ-ed almost every meal and watched lots of scary movies including Poltergeist (my pick), Paranormal Activity (Suzanne's pick) and American Werewolf in London (my dad's pick). After that weekend I was tanner and heavier (from all the wonderful food Suzanne cooked). It was a blast.

Terra Blanca Winery in Benton City, Washington

Fields of Gold, Benton City, Washington

oreo

2011-07-21T00:29:00.003-05:00

Life has been a whirlwind these last couple weeks and vacation was awesome!

Christopher and I finally arrived home from vacation on Monday afternoon only to leave again Tuesday for St. Charles. We are back home today for the time being until move next weekend. Aw yeah.

I plan on sharing some of our vacation through pictures soon, but before I do so I want to introduce to you the newest member of the Swift household: Oreo.

Oreo is going to be my classroom mascot this year, but until next week she is going to camp in her cage at our place. I think she will fit in just fine with a bunch of seventh graders...

Maybe I will too?

summer reads

2011-07-17T11:22:00.003-05:00

SO
I have been taking quite the hiatus lately.
I know.
But it's good to do that when you are in vacation.
When in Washington, right?
(That's been my phrase lately).

Before I am back in full swing, I wanted to share two books I've enjoyed over vacation.

1. Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. This book is seriously amazing. I started it in the airport and finished it before we even landed in Wash. Its a story of a little boy and his account of visiting heaven. If nothing else it has made me think about heaven on a more regular basis, and I like that. I also cried a lot - forewarning.

2. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I haven't finished this yet but it has been good and sweet love story. It's not one of my all time favorites but definitely a good summer read, especially if you want to see the movie. (Books are always better, am I right?)

wa!

2011-07-10T01:11:00.003-05:00

We're in Washington!
We arrived late Friday night to pizza and family. There is something really wonderful about being a kid again in your parents home... Whether it's Missouri or Wash, I love it.

On Monday Chris and I are headed out for our mini camping vacation through the gorge and cascades (loop above). (Do you see that one spot on the West Coast? Yes, we are going to the West Coast, oh-my-goodness, yes). Until then, we are enjoying being spoiled!

And equally exciting:
1. We watched Poltergeist tonight. (A childhood favorite movie of mine).
2. Most of my hair officially fits in a ponytail! (crazy, right?)

felt flower mobile

2011-07-09T18:02:00.003-05:00

Okay, okay.
I know I am in Washington.
(In fact, Chris and I are heading out for our camping trip within the hour).
But I just had to share this felt flower baby mobile that I made for my friend, Maria.

Maria is having a baby girl soon.
So soon.

When she does, she has this pretty felt mobile waiting for her at home...

The Dalles, Portland, Tillamook and Mt. Ranier here we come!

Photo Shoot: Worley Baby

2011-07-07T17:00:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I did a pregnancy photo shoot for my friend Miss.
She is due next weekend with a little baby boy, Micah.
I'm sure he will be one adorable boy.

Check out more of her beautiful photographs here or on her blog.

So excited for you guys!

(Is it just me, or do I have a lot of soon-to-be-momma friends?)
Love it!

baby crafts: hoop art

2011-07-06T22:56:00.007-05:00

On my last post I mentioned the craft project I did for my friend Erin. I realized after that I didn't do a good job of documenting it, so I wanted to update you with photos... because I do love crafty photos.

I used 7 embroidery rings along with various fabrics hand-picked by Erin and went to town. I sewed each letter of her baby-girl's name with a sewing machine. Then, I went back and hand-stitched thicker thread to line to letters. Our inspiration was found here. (Aka: my dream baby shower if I ever do have a baby).

Very affordable, unique and fun! Check them out:

the details:

the name:

Arianna Ellette Boone

Congrats Matt and Erin! I can't wait to meet her! (soon)

the fourth and family

2011-07-04T09:42:00.004-05:00

wow. we have been in springfield since late thursday night for the fourth of july weekend and i have been doing very little... other than read, chat, sleep and eat. it's been quite the relaxing vacation. check out this craft project i finished last week for my good friend erin and her soon-to-be-baby arianna. i'll get some up close pictures soon.

happy fourth!

date night!

2011-06-30T15:30:00.006-05:00

Last night Chris and I decided to be classy and go to Les Bourgeois for our date night. Ok, maybe I decided that we should be classy and go to Les Bourgeois. Anyway. The weather was perfect. The dinner was perfect. And ambiance was perfect. It was wonderfully romantic.

We need dates like those sometimes, right?

Chris doesn't know how to be normal in pictures...

Wait... maybe I don't either...

packing and blogging

2011-06-29T14:06:00.003-05:00

today i am packing
and editing
and wedding coordinating.
but mostly just packing.

earlier i packed up all my balls of yarn and thought that is was so darn cute. soon enough that yarn will be unpacked and crocheted into some lovely scarves this winter. until then they will rest in their little green box of a home until our move date, august 1st.

...

while i am packing you should check out some of these fun posts i have enjoyed today:
like this fun book on wild olive
read more about the life of bees on soulemama
get inspired by this summer project on under the sycamore
and make your tummy grumble because of these cupcakes on sheep.

weddings: nicole and paul

2011-06-27T13:42:00.003-05:00

photo by keith montgomery

This weekend I had the pleasure to coordinate Nicole and Paul's wedding. It was seriously one of the most beautiful weddings I have been a part of. Beautiful and vintage with soft romantic tones. It was lovely. Congrats Paul and Nicole!

Speaking of weddings, by the end of the month I plan to have the "wedding" portion of aimee bee together and running so that you can see the weddings I have coordinated. Enjoy the beautiful Monday! (The last Monday of June).

diy: tree silhouette painting

2011-06-23T14:41:00.006-05:00

i am really excited about my new diy.

a long, long time ago i snagged this nice big framed painting from a local salvation army. i never intended to keep the painting, but i adored the huge frame. unfortunately, time got away from me, and i never did anything with the painting.

eventually it became a joke among our friends. we called it the "nerf ball painting," because it really looked like there was a nerf ball sitting in with the fruit.

i went back and forth with ideas. i had one idea planned but wasn't sold on it. then, just a few days ago, i came across this idea on pinterest and i loved it.

i did a few things differently. instead of using pages from a book, i used newspaper pages. instead of using permanent marker to make the tree silhouette, i used black acrylic paint. and i also decided to make it seasonal...

for instance: notice the birdies?

they match well with the wonderful weather lately.
in the fall i'll probably incorporate some fall leaves.
christmas it will definitely adorn lights.
this will be fun.

rainbows, cupcakes & homework

2011-06-20T19:44:00.005-05:00

tonight i am listening to the beatles and baking cupcakes like these for a homework assignment:
(thanks for the pin lesley)

source

oh, how i love the school of education and rainbows.
cupcakes=homework=heavenly

...

p.s. chris and i are planning out our summer vacation.
we will be flying out to washington in july to visit family for about 5 days. then we are going to borrow the parents car and travel throughout oregon and washington and hike for 5 more days.

on our hiking/vacation list thus far:
columbia river gorge
portland, oregon
mt. ranier
mt. st. helens

any suggestions?

weekend in joplin

2011-06-19T22:30:00.003-05:00

This weekend Christopher and I went to Joplin, MO with our church. We partnered up with Grace Baptist, a church that is right in the heart of the damaged area. Our group did a number of things such as door-to-door praying for families, moving ridiculously heavy porches, gutting houses, etc. It is truly incredible the amount of damage the tornado caused, especially since it has almost been a month and it is still total destruction. You really have to see it.

One of the saddest things I saw while there was a note someone had written on a wall. It read, "The tornado took my momma. Now she is in heaven with Jesus and Johnny Cash."

.I didn't take my camera, because I didn't want it to be a distraction while there, but I did take a few photographs with my phone (below).

Please continue to pray for the families in Joplin.
If you're interested in volunteering, we will be heading back later this summer to help again. Send me an email if you are interested.

our wedding: the ceremony

2011-06-16T22:04:00.005-05:00

(one of my *favorite* ceremony pictures, with my daddy)

The ceremony site was beautiful.

One of the hardest things for me in planning our wedding was deciding where to have it. Origninally I wanted to have our wedding in St. Charles, on Main Street where I grew up. But, as we began planning and thinking, we thought it best to have our wedding in Columbia, our now hometown and a medium ground for all our families and friends. Even this was challenging though since our church meets in a lecture hall on the MU campus. (Not exactly the charming spot most girls envision to have their dream wedding).

That was when the ceremony search began.

First we narrowed it down by deciding to have it downtown.

Then, after a few weeks, maybe months, we made the decision to have it at the beautiful First Presbyterian Church on Hitt Street. (And conveniently the color scheme for the church was shades of blue).

happy friday!

our wedding: the groomsmen

2011-06-16T18:09:00.008-05:00

Chris' men consisted of his little, but not really that little, brother and five of his good friends. Some of the guys standing beside him on our wedding day were good friends from high school, some from college. Each guy sported a tux with a vest matching their respectable bridesmaid. The coolest thing they sported, though: throwing stars. (Chris' gift to them, of course).

I interviewed Chris a bit to share:

Most memorable time with the groomsmen:
hanging out the thursday and friday night before our wedding, playing fifa and making a move entitled, "optimus' night on the town."

(Trust me people, it's an oscar winning movie).

What you appreciate about your groomsmen:
I really like what they represented for me and what they were on my wedding day. All of my groomsmen and two of the ushers were friends that I had met in different walks of my life. It was really cool to have them all together in one place on the same day to support Aimee and me.

Check them out:

Did I mention they were in the mafia? (jk)

Photography by Keith Montgomery.

our wedding: the bridesmaids

2011-06-14T12:09:00.008-05:00

Having a beautiful wedding is oh-so-easy when you have a group of stunning bridesmaids. And that is what they were (and still are).

I was blessed to have some closest friends beside me on my wedding day, ranging in shades of blue dresses with handmade crystal beaded ribbon necklaces and silver bow flats.

Two of my bridesmaids were my sisters, Ashley (my look-alike older sister) and Taylor (my taylor swift look-alike step-sister), and the other four were some of my closest buddies throughout college: Erin (my long-time college roommate), Breezy (my junior year bed-mate), Miss (my coffee date friend) and Cass (my crazy, encouraging friend). Each girl is and was very special to me. Each of them were a part of making my wedding day so memorable.

Aren't they hot?

All photos by Keith Montgomery.
He's great! Use him for your wedding!

our wedding: two years ago today

2011-06-12T22:24:00.007-05:00

our wedding

date: 6.13.09
location: Columbia, Missouri
ceremony spot: 1st Presbyterian Church
downtown Columbia
reception spot: Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe
downtown Columbia
photographer: Keith Montgomery and Eric Papp
wedding coordinator: Erica Brummel
caterer & cake: Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe
downtown, Columbia
florist: Kent's Floral Gallery (for the bouquets and corsages)
& handmade diy silk flower boutonnieres
invitations: Beth Courtney
colors: shades of blue
the dress: lace dress by monique lhuillier,
bird-cage veil
& blue sapphire jewelry
themes: abstract trees and leaves
honeymoon location: boulder, colorado
favorite decoration: vintage shades of blue glasses with candles
most memorable accessory: mama's handkerchief
with a stitched cross from nana
memorable wedding moment for christopher:
walking to peace park with our friends and family
after the wedding and taking photographs in downtown columbia
memorable wedding moment for aimee:
singing amazing grace with family and friends

Join me as I look back on our wedding through photos this week.
It was such a blast!

i love...

2011-06-12T09:41:00.003-05:00

i have decided that i absolutely love aprons.
every girl should have one... or two.
i might have three.

speaking of things i love:
tomorrow christopher and i will be married two years. two years!
they say time flies, but holy cow it really does.
we are celebrating today since i have class tomorrow,
but i plan on showing you more wedding things this week.
i can't wait!

repainting: end-tables

2011-06-07T14:27:00.010-05:00

yesterday i battled the heat and the cicadas to finish repurposing some projects.

this summer i am working on repainting, recovering and repurposing our living room essentials to have more "chrimee" (chris and aimee) feel. some of my inspiration examples for our future living room are this room and this room (minus the wall colors as long as we are in an apt).
basically, blue+gray+white+green and a little hint of fushia (but don't tell chris)

with that in mind,
this is what i finished before my cicada paranoia became too intense...

lamp before:

lamp after:

end-tables before:

end-tables after:

And remember those baskets?
I love them here!

Next, is my awful nerf-ball/fruit bowl painting.
(you'll see)

white spray paint

2011-06-05T15:11:00.003-05:00

I have been totally inspired by my sister. She has two kiddos and is still managing to spend the summer redecorating her home to get it ready to sell. It made me realize- if she can do crazy things like paint entire rooms and make curtains with diesel and saw running around, then surely i can finish the few things i want to redecorate by the end of summer.

Surely.

Today I made an effort to do just that. So far I have finished 2.5 things out of 5. Good start, right?

One of the things I worked on today was redecorating our baskets. 2 of these baskets will go on our side tables, as a pull-out organizer. The 3rd larger basket goes under our bathroom sink and holds my blow dryer and straightener, etc. I liked the simplicity of white. So I went for it...

Before:

After:

I'll give you some better pictures once I get my camera back. (These were taken from my phone). My camera is currently seeing Dispatch at this place without me, sad.

At least I got to work on my spf-30-safe-suntan at the pool today. Still not the same...

more on ok!

2011-06-03T16:54:00.009-05:00

Today was a milestone in finishing my degree.

I can just hear the angels singing in heaven:
Hal le lu jah!
3.more.weeks.

And now, some adorable pictures of my adorable nephews (and others),
taken from my visit with them last weekend.

(shaving, of course)

Happy weekend!
Tomorrow I'm garage saling and farmers marketing. What are you doing?

oklahoma boys

2011-06-01T21:10:00.002-05:00

tonight i am very busy studying for my final final ever. please pray for me tomorrow morning. it will be a miracle if i do well. (too much nephew-sister-mother time this weekend).

i do want to share a photo of my
a d o r a b l e
nephews. aren't they great?
more tomorrow!

diesel sayings

2011-05-29T10:04:00.002-05:00

things diesel has said that are adorable:

"mimi, i just love you"

(when going outside in the dark by myself) "mimi, don't let the monsters get you!"

"mommy, look at her!" (pointing to me) "isn't she so cute!"

thankful for my raincoat

2011-05-26T23:53:00.005-05:00

yesterday when the tornado sirens were going off in como, this is what i was doing. chris was at work. otherwise, he probably would have been with me.

my mother would have scolded me.
sorry, mah.

praying

2011-05-25T10:50:00.002-05:00

the midwest is getting slammed this week. as many know on sunday joplin, missouri was hit by a tornado killing at least 120 with 1500 people still missing. yesterday the events hit closer to home for me and my family when a tornado ripped through my sister's small town of el reno, oklahoma.

thankfully ashley was in shelter with diesel at her school while her husband, david, was seeking shelter at the fire station with saw. (they have no basement or shelter). their home escaped damage yesterday, but many other families lost homes and loved ones just miles away.

please pray for the families in joplin and oklahoma. please also pray for the family of a little three year old that was torn out of his momma's arms yesterday in oklahoma.

four days

2011-05-23T18:52:00.004-05:00

In four lovely days
I get to see these kissable boys.
And my crazy sister.

There is talk of feathering my hair, with real feathers.
Apparently it's all the rage...
in Ash's 2nd grade classroom.
So hip.

recovered photo album

2011-05-20T15:17:00.008-05:00

Chris and I are starting this new thing called: printing off our photos.
Crazy concept, right?

In doing so, I bought a photo album that was on clearance at Michaels, knowing it needed an upgrade.

before:

I guess I'm just not that into chandeliers. If you are, great. If you're not, here is an easy way to recover those not-so-your-style photo albums.

First, you will need a few ingredients:

scrap fabric, ribbon, glue gun, and glue sticks
Then glue (while pulling fabric tightly to ensure few air pockets).

after:

Chris' response to the recovered album: "You're so crafty it makes me want to throw up."
thank you?

p.s. i was enjoying this song this afternoon when i noticed the title.
parks and rec anyone?
i LOVE that show.

my night

2011-05-18T19:07:00.003-05:00

Guess what I am doing tonight...
I'll give you a hint:

6 more weeks.
6 more weeks.
6 more weeks.

There are other things I would like to be doing, like:
refinishing our end-tables
painting our lamp
re-covering our pillows.

I have lots of plans that will happen
s l o w l y
over the course of the summer.

graduation weekend

2011-05-16T16:12:00.003-05:00

This weekend came and went and I graduated. Master Swift. You can call me that from now on.
No, actually just call me aimee bee.

I am so thankful for all our family and friends that came to visit us this weekend and also the ones who weren't able to come visit. We are so very blessed to have all of you in our lives. Thank you for enduring the longest graduation ceremony ever (besides the other graduation Chris and I had a few years ago). Thank you for the gifts. Thank you for the support. We are so thankful for you!

My sweet friend Kirstin knows me so well. She gave me this beautiful necklace from the vintage pearl today as a celebration of graduation. It's perfect. Thank you friend!

heading home

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today my brother and I leave bright and early back to the land of Missouri.
I am excited to give Christopher a big smooch,
snuggle in my bed,
talk to my plants,
see her belly
and use my kitchen aid.

But I am really, really sad to leave.
Good thing we (me and Chris) are coming back in July.

p.s. if you're in Columbia this friday and not doing anything... you're welcome to come celebrate with us in honor of my graduation! graduation following at 8pm. (just let me know you'll be coming so there will be enough food)

we're famous... or something.

2011-05-10T01:32:00.003-05:00

My computer decided to get "full" last night. So, sadly I can't download any of my recent photos to share. That will have to wait until Thursday. But I will share something that my grandma discovered early this morning when she opened her St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Front page. Check it.

...

Tomorrow is our last day in Washington.
Sad.

mother's day wishes

2011-05-09T01:03:00.004-05:00

This morning I was feeling a little homesick for my momma.
2000 miles a way is a bit far on mother's day.
but... on the plus side, i get to see her this friday.

and on another plus side
i saw this:

Mt. Hood, Oregon
taken from somebody's steep driveway
thanks to my adventurous dad.

is that amazing or what?!?

Happy (late) Mom's Day to all the mother's out there!

hiking in oregon

2011-05-07T21:42:00.002-05:00

day three in Washington: hiking in Hood River, Oregon
i still got it
(got it: as in the whole hiking thing)

one thing I realized: i desperately miss the mountains
and i miss my hubby too.

Hello! from WA

2011-05-06T00:45:00.002-05:00

After 2 flights,
1,500 miles,
and 1 snoring brother
we arrived in Kennewick, Washington yesterday afternoon.
Today was our first day of adventures.

We spent most of the first day in Walla Walla the town of 100 wineries, and I had my first wine-tasting experience. It was deliciously fun. Tomorrow we are heading out to the Columbia River Gorge. Apparently this place is
b e a u t i f u l.
I'm excited to see what it is all about.

Pepper Bridge Winery

p.s. I can see mountains from my parents window!
(amazing)

boone baby shower

2011-05-02T23:08:00.008-05:00

Have I ever said how much I love showers?
Wedding showers, baby showers, taking showers. You name it.

On Sunday we had a baby shower for my friend, Erin. Erin and I have been pals for quite a long time. We lived together in the dorms during college. We had the same major, so we took the same classes. We got engaged around the same time, married around the same time. And now, she's expecting a little baby girl in early August.

So exciting!

We showered her with a cloth diaper shower, but of course she still was gifted with some other great goods. Check out the photos:

Congrats Erin and Matt!

p.s. Thanks Breeze for taking some photos. :)