Holla back, Tere!

I know you're not big on birthdays, Tere, but I hardly care. (In the most loving way, of course.) And look how beautiful you are--I at least needed a reason to post some photos.

Birthdays, for me, are such a day of honoring. I've heard a lot of people say the whole, "If you're going to celebrate someone, you should do it on random days. You should appreciate them all the time." Which, while I'm a huge fan of random acts of kindness, but some of us just aren't that amazing in remembering to do so. So, I salute whoever began the celebration of birthdays, because I do, in fact, need that little reminder.

And Teres, you're totally somebody who I wish I remembered to give props a little more often.

The sincerity of your heart inspires me daily, and I could not admire you more for the decisions you have made this past year. You have obviously made such an impact on my life, but especially in the last year, you and Eric have show more love and compassion to our family than most people experience in a lifetime. I could not imagine a better neighbor-friend-cousin-co-parent to do life with.

Plus, look, you're such a winner!

And props to Aunt Nance for birthing my bff.
I know you probably won't eat cake and ice cream today, or even do anything big. But at the very least, I hope you know how birthday-worthy are in my book! Love you, my friend!

Day at the Beach

Every week, we do family date night with my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, Carly, my brother-in-law, Luke, and their baby, Ruby. It's a grand event. It's mostly just food, talking, and great television. But, in the summer, when the television is not so great, and the weather is glorious, we let ourselves switch it up every now and then.

This week we switched it up by going to the Secret Beach. Now, I don't believe this is the beach's technical name, it is just what we have come to call if over the years. It's a real cute place, tucked away, and there's maybe 30 or 40 people there on a busy day--definitely our style.

So, we packed it up, and headed out. And I decided we need to capture some of these moments; such as Ruby, ultra-enthused to be in her carrier.

My fantastic mother-in-law. A girl couldn't ask for one better. I am so blessed!
Ruby loves her Granny (you can tell because she has her tongue out, she does that when she's happy).

The O'Dells. This is an accurate depiction of our time together.
And we'll wrap it up with one of my favorites.

Craft Night :: Adoption Fundraiser

Another Tuesday night festivity for us girls occasionally includes a craft or two. Recently, we worked on some center pieces for this really great fundraiser we're planning. Let me tell you about it.

You see, I have this friend who just happens to be my cousin, Teresa. We've been best friends from day 1; it's just how our parents raised us. And we've just done life together. I was her maid of honor, she was mine. We even share a living space, as it is that we rent the lower half of their duplex. It just works out so well.

So now, we've come to the next exciting part of our lives-families! And I couldn't be more happy for her and Eric to start theirs. And they've decide to expand via adoption. They are currently in the process of adopting a little one from the Congo! And I am so excited! (As are they, of course.)

And this Saturday, May 1st, we will be having a fundraiser to help them get there! It's going to be a grand event, it really is; and you should be there! But even if you cannot, feel free to follow Teresa through the process on her blog http://surveyofalife.blogspot.com/.

Anyway, as I was saying, we recently made some really terrific centerpieces for the whole ordeal, and I wanted to share a what this little gathering looked like...

Michelle with her mad cutting skills.

Brook, modeling what we could potentially use the airplanes for in the future.

Oh, and because they're so cute, I thought Gavin and Rubes should make a special appearance.

For updates on the fundraiser and how these center pieces turned out, tune in next week! (As well as later this week when I will share more deets on the event.)

Cooking :: Eggplant Parmesan

In my world, every Tuesday night is girls' night. It's a delightful event in which some of my favorite ladies and I get together and watch some shows, eat, and chat about life. We used to knit, and I fully plan on starting back up eventually, but sometimes you just need a break from certain things.

We try to rotate who brings food, but our gracious hostess, Brook, usually is the one to supply the goods. This past week, though, I wanted to contribute. So I attempted a new meal that I ended being quite please with: Eggplant Parmesan. I was very excited because this is not something we can make at home; Patrick is not a fan of this lovely purple delight. But thank goodness, my friends definitely are!

Aren't they just beautiful? Straight from Martha's Vineyard.
Just threw them on the grill after tossing them with some extra virgin olive oil and a nice pinch of sea salt. Everything looks better grilled. Add some parmesan...And combine with a salad, asparagus roasted with garlic cloves (thank you Charles), and delicious red skins. It was a heavenly feast.

It's Birthday Week!

So, I just so happen to love birthdays. And I just so happen to really love Patrick. And today just so happens to be, Patrick's birthday! It may be the best day ever!

Patrick has always made sure my birthday was special. One year he threw me a surprise ball. Everyone wore formal dresses and everything. It was magical! So, needless to say, sometimes I feel a little pressure in the birthday category. And while this year, I may not have the means to throw a ball, I tried to do some little things here and there.

Like this...

And this to a photo of Patrick when he was just a little guy...And this...And the Black Eyed Peas part of me did this...And I wish I could say I was responsible for this sweet gem, but irregardless, it was a very nice birthday treat!

Happy birthday, boo. I love you beyond words. And I am so grateful to celebrate your life! You're my best friend and I can't wait to gorge ourselves on infinite amounts of cosco cake.

Project!

Oh the joy of white, glossy spray paint. It has become a dear friend of mine as of late, as well as a great inspiration for a little redecorating of our living room. You need that kind of inspiration every now and again, don't you? It's one of those things that keeps you moving.

So, I've had this gold framer for quite some time. It actually started out as a mirror that I had found in my mother's basement when she moved in. I loved it! I kept it as is for awhile. But unfortunately one particular door shutting led to it falling off the hook and the glass shattered. So, I toted it all the way to Tulsa and back without any reason to hold onto it, besides the fact that I still very much loved it. It was until this past week I decided I really needed to make use of this beauty... and ta-da! Success!

Here's how it went:

Starting Piece

This is what the professionals do if you don't feel like the handle is working well enough.

Add some fabric in the middle, and you've got yourself some pure beauty!

Life Update

Yup, that's right! We're starting a daycare. Well, it's a small one. Think cute, quaint home daycare vs. large center with ten-thousand babies. Either way, we're almost complete with the registration process and should be on our way soon! I'm very excited! It's funny just to think about how long God has been preparing me for this. I started talking about watching people's kids over a year ago! Then, we went to Tulsa where I had to learn a ton about licensing, rules, regulations, and everything else about kids because of my job in Children's ministry.

In other news, I'm looking at doing a few weddings this spring/summer (hopefully). Plus, I've got a whole slew of new babies to come... I just love new babies!

In the meantime, I'm just believing for the finances to come through for a camera. Not that I'd make a business out of that, but the extra income would be so nice.

Happy weekend!

Happy New Year!

So here's to a wonderful 2010.

2009 was definitely one of a kind, but we're ready to move forward. I tend to be a sucker for New Year's. I'm all about a.) starting a diet, b.) writing down a bunch of goals, and c.) let's just be honest, a big world-wide party is bound to be a good time. And look, I'm already doing great. I was up at at it at 8:30 am after staying up 'till a very late 3am. Hello world- I'm motivated! (And happen to have a husband who had to be at work at 9:30, but that's neither here nor there.)

But in memory, I'll post a little tribute to the past year. My last post was an update on our lives, but I feel like there was so much left out. This year I got to celebrate with two of my favorite friends in welcoming little ones into their lives - my friend Brookhad Gavin only 2 days after my birthday (it was so close, but, then I thought- who reeeallly wants to share their birthday with an adorable baby? I would have been overlooked in an instant!). And then my sister-in-law, Carly, just had little Ruby in October! Beyond that, we got to celebrate so many engagements, marriages, and new babies. It's such an honor to be a part of those moments for the ones you love. Even despite our temporary distance, we were able to spend so much time with our families. My family even vacationed together for the first time in almost 10 years. I also turned 22 (what a great age) and had the best birthday on the planet (big thanks to the husband for that one)! Plus, I got to ride in a plane 4 times and if you know me well, you know how much I love those airports.

Did I mention I got to do all of this whole year with my best friend? Now, who can beat that?

So, farewell 2009, you were swell; here's what you looked like:

Grayson at Poppa Sean's. He got a lot of sugar that night.

Patrick and his best friend Brock- they were preparing to knock down some very hefty icicles and had to take necessary precautions.

Holler for flat tires!

Kate and Evie. Love them. Miss them.

Tulsa Vacation! Mom and Brendyn at the zoo.

I just love this kid.

I wont' lie; I am his favorite aunt.

Best birthday ever with my oh-so-dreamy husband.

Best birthday present ever.

Thumbs up for Ruby!

What a good Poppa to come see his grand-baby.

Her freckles melt my heart.

Wii time with the fam. Not much better than that.

Oh wait, maybe watching my husband cook with my mom.

God bless Michigan weather. It's a beautiful thing.

And this guy, well, we just can't seem to live near each other right now. This does not make me so happy.

I love love.