Cousin-babies (not mine)

There a lot of people that I love dearly whom I haven't been able to see in simply ages, but as we quickly approach our move, I can't help but be incredibly thankful that I got to meet these lovely ladies. I can't believe they'll be one-year-olds by the time I see them again! Love you, Molly & Annemarie! Be good to your mamas while I'm away.

North Carolina | What we'll leave behind

When I think of leaving Durham, I'm honestly not that bothered by it. I knew that we would only be here for a short time, and as hard as it is to leave any home we build, we also feel ready for the next thing. But then... I think of the people we love so much, and feel as though I would live here forever. Durham is home to some of the most beautiful people I know. It doesn't seem to matter that many of these people are also transient Durham residents, and that they too will be leaving soon. We're leaving first and I just don't like that.

At the end of this week we were able to spend some beautiful hours with two very dear friends. Lounging, playing, talking with Miss Katie, and a nice long walk downtown to a new ice cream place with Miss Megan and Finnegan. I will miss these two so so very much (almost as much as Sebastian).

We love you Katie and Megan, and the rest of the beautiful Durham crowd! Thank you for making our lives here so sweet.

Style | A whole lotta pretty + links!

My friend KD, the lovely lady in these photos, and mama to one beautiful little red-haired girl, shared a link to her friend's blog and Etsy shop on Facebook this morning. And I have to say... I am in love with these necklaces! I mean, The Chloe!? Thanks for introducing us to your talented friend and her shop!

Do you have a friend with a shop or blog? Heck, do you have a shop or blog that you've been hiding from me? Spill it, please. I love hearing about talented folks and what they're up to.

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If I owned a restaurant, I would do this. via

Sincerely, Jill is back.

Recipe for Torrone. This needs to happen around Christmas, methinks.

If I ever have a girl, I'm doing this to her jeans.

Travel | Celebrating Courtney

By far, the best part of our vacation was spending time with friends last week and over the weekend in preparation for my dear friend's wedding. This girl is the funniest, and most genuine little lady, and someone I admire so much. We were roomates for our last two years in college, and I'm so thankful for that, because it kept us together at times when not much else did. I mean, how far can two people drift when their beds are connected to make one long bed, foot-to-foot!? Best. Decision. Ever.

Anyway, when Kyle found himself quite smitten with Courtney, it was no surprise. What a match. I am over the moon for these two, and can't help but hope that we'll live close to them someday in the future.

Travel | D.C. & Old Town, Alexandria

Just popping in to say a quick hello and share a few pictures of our weekend in the D.C. area. I certainly wish we could have made time to see more friends, but the time we had with the few we did see was great and provided much needed time to catch up and share a bit of our lives with one another. I hope you had a lovely weekend! We are gearing up for an all-out attack on the roaches that have seemed to think that our apartment is their new home after being kicked out of the one below us that is in the process of being completely gutted. Yes, all kinds of gross. On the bright side, maybe we'll save money b/c all we'll be eating is fresh fruit, raw veggies and pb & j since I'm going to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. One thing I've learned through this is that you know you gave up the right things for Lent when all you want to do in a hard or depressing situation is eat and do the things you gave up. I pray that you have perseverance and hope this week, friends. Let's turn to Jesus, for we are so very weak without him.

"Paris on the Prairie"

a.k.a. Chicago.

We traveled there this weekend, stopped in Indiana to visit some amazing friends and their 3 adorable children, and had a fabulous time. Seb was a perfect angel, hardly complaining when he went two days with only brief 30 minute naps. He was such a trooper.

We arrived in Chicago late Friday night, so not much happened besides reuniting with our long lost housemates, and devouring a bag of lime chips.

Saturday brought with it waffles made with pancake mix (delicious), a trip to The Field Museum to see their special exhibit on The Horse, and back to the place we were staying for a little rest for Sebastian and lunch for all.  Outing number two consisted of a little shopping at Zara, and Starbucks.

With Sue. Cody is hoping to inspire a love of dinosaurs in our young son. 

Our friend's sister (whom we stayed with) offered to watch Sebastian that evening, so the four of us walked to a fabulous little Italian restaurant called Scoozi. The food was incredible, bread with the most incredible olive oil, caprese and risotto were on my list and they did not disappoint. After that we took a taxi to the Hancock Building, and were delighted to be seated at a cozy little table right next to the window—on the 96th floor! We spent the rest of the evening trying to find the places we had been earlier in the day and enjoyed some delcious Tiramisu and chocolate port. I was stunned by how delicious it was. Port is now on my list of favorites.

Have you traveled anywhere recently? Trips like this don't happen very often for us, but it was memorable and so fun to experience a little bit of the city with a couple of dear friends. We miss you guys!

true friends share everything

[via]

Seb | Seven and One-Half

Knitting, Holiday Inn, and baby playing with Nanny make for one delightful evening. This kid kills me. He gets more beautiful every day. His latest accomplishment is learning to refuse food. He just gags and coughs when I put something in his mouth that he doesn't like until it falls out.

Home | Messy bun, roses & sunshine

Wouldn't it be marvelous if every morning looked like this? The snow is lovely right now, but I'll admit, I was made for summer. Give me 90F degrees and I'm happy (except when preggo—I found out the hard way!)

Speaking of being preggo, my dear friend just delivered a healthy, and by all reports, beautiful baby this afternoon! I am so excited and overjoyed for them. They have quite an adventure ahead of them, and will do a marvelous job caring for and raising their little one. Congrats, my friends!

P.S. Do you have a favorite color of rose? Mine is yellow.

[Photo via: Full post with lovely photos]

Home | Contentment

I honestly can't remember when I have read something quite so wonderful and encouraging, timely and convicting, hopeful and ordinary, as this. If you've ever felt that your life was dull, that if only you could reach that next promotion, or that wedding day altar, or take a European vacation every year, then life would be perfect, then you need to read this. Thanks to AH for bringing it to my attention. I feel as though I have renewed vigor for tomorrow.

Little One | Etsy and supper

I thought these knitted items were just lovely when I ran across The Velvet Acorn on Etsy. They look so warm and I love how this knitter's creativity shows through each project. What's more is she makes them available in the most lovely colors. Isn't the Sydnie Slouchy just perfect for a little girl? I want the one above for my little guy, and this for myself.

We had dinner at our place with my sister, her roommate, and the F's with their baby girl. It was so fun and, surprisingly, I wasn't very stressed about the evening. I even took a nap this afternoon! We had Pork with french fried onions and mushroom gravy, red potatoes with butter and chives, asparagus cooked with coconut oil, acorn squash, and LGF brought some of the most delicious brownies for dessert. I. Am. Stuffed. And newly obsessed with baking acorn squash. Have you ever tried it?

1. Halve an acorn squash
2. Scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff
3. Put a daub of butter and brown sugar in the hollow
4. Place (skin down) in a pan with 1/4" of water at the bottom
5. Put in the oven at 350˚ F for 45 min. to 1 hour or until soft when you poke a fork in it.
6. Let cool for a few minutes, scoop out the insides and enjoy!

Hope you have a lovely evening. Dishes are done—I'm off to bed!

[image via]

Home | Where Your Treasure Is

I'm taking a vacation of sorts for the next 2 weeks. What will I do while I'm away?

Take care of my patient and loving husband and our beautiful baby boy. Daily keeping in mind this verse: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. | Proverbs 3:27

I want to give all my time, love and energy to those around me, catch up with friends whom I haven't talked to in far too long, vacuum the apartment, make orange cranberry biscuits, run and do pilates, drink a cup of green tea every day, and study God's word earnestly.

Most of all I want to be a good wife. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. | Proverbs 31:12

...And a seeker of God. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. | Proverbs 8:34-35