Project Life: Week 1 (Utah)

Well, here is my Week 1 layout.  This was a tricky week to start Project Life because it wasn't an average, low-key week.  We drove to Utah to see my family, so I took more pictures than usual, and had A LOT to journal.  I am actually going to end up inserting a 6x12 sheet between these with January 5th's events, including a story about Ryan and my Grandma (see below), as well as Grandpa's birthday, which we celebrated together in his honor.  Anyway, I am mostly happy with this, but definitely need to come up with a simpler system to keep things consistent.  To me, this is too busy.  But again, there was a lot to squeeze in.  Week 2 and so forth should be a little easier to process. 

Here's half of the 6x12 insert. The other half (Grandpa's birthday tribute) is still in production.

A closer look...

This Utah trip was truly like no other. With all the recent developments relating to Grandma, my main priority was to spend time with her and to help my parents. It was an unforgettably sweet and humbling five days.

An old treasure and a new one

When Neil and I got married almost nine years ago, my sweet Grandma Martha, who celebrated her 94th birthday last December, gave me a beautiful cedar chest.  I'm not sure how far back it goes or even where she got it, but she had had it for a long time and was now adamant that I have it.  I was honored.  Not only would it make a charming addition to our home, but I would always have something to remember her by. 

Well it made its way around over those almost nine years, and even spent a couple years in my parents' basement because we didn't have room for it in our first Colorado home.  Last May, after Brad and Courtney's BYU graduation and on their way to Georgia, they drove through Colorado and brought the chest to us (thank you again, guys).  In September, it made its way with us to California, and last month Neil refinished it.  So even though it's been ours for nearly a decade, it has just now found a place in our home. 

I love this chest.  It fills some space and looks great below our front room windows.  I'm even thinking it could make a great newborn prop.  But while it holds many uses, it represents something so much deeper than just a pretty piece of furniture.  I will forever treasure it, and am so grateful for my grandma and for Neil.

Speaking of newborn props and Neil, here's something else which is a direct result of his handy work.

I spotted a doll bed just like this on a photography website back in January and showed it to Neil.  "I could build that!", he said.  And so he did!  When it's not being sat upon by a cute little baby, it resides in Chloe's bedroom.  The kids love playing "house" with it, and it will no doubt be passed down many generations.   

I love seeing things in my home that hold meaning and sentimentality.  This chest and doll bed are just two of the many pieces I expect to admire in the coming years as Neil continues to put his handy work to use.

Day 18: A bowl of memories

This bowl, while silly, simple and nothing special to look at, holds great value to me.  This bowl, and 3 other bowls like it once resided in my Grandpa and Grandma Halliday's dining room cabinet in their Palo Alto home. 

As far back as I can remember, they had these and I'd eat my breakfast out of one each time I visited.  It's funny how one simple object can bring back a flood of childhood memories, isn't it?  I'm glad I have this bowl to make me smile each morning, and to remind me of the wonderful grandparents I have.

{Day 16 is in the works.  I'll post it tomorrow.}

December birthdays

I'm behind as always, but wanted to pay tribute to two very important people in my life who recently celebrated birthdays.

First of all, my Dad...

Encouragement. Patience. Wisdom. Love. Compassion. Generousity.

...All fatherly attributes he encompasses, which have continuously lifted me and helped me become the woman I am today. Thanks for knowing me so well, and recognizing when I need advice, and when I simply need a listening ear. I love you, Dad. Happy Birthday (on the 10th)!

And second, my sweet Grandma, who just celebrated her ninety-second birthday! I love her like a best friend. She and I have always had a special bond and a sort of unspoken understanding of one another, which has only become stronger in recent years. I love that I can just pick up the phone and call her whenever I feel the desire. She's always encouraged my role as wife and mother, which I've especially found uplifting these past several weeks as I've entered a whole new stage of life (a.k.a. mother of two). Witty, vivacious, and compassionate all wrapped into one; a woman who makes those around her want to be a better person. That's my Grandma Martha! Happy Birthday (on the 19th)!

In honor of the birthday boy and girl, here's a picture of the two of them, taken in 1943.

Beautiful, beautiful people - both of you! Happy Birthday!