Happy wall

So, we have this huge wall in our family room. Since we moved in to this house 2 1/2 years ago, I've experimented with several wall adornments--from random paintings and prints, to candle holders, to large metal stars, and mirrors. All that accomplished was a wall of holes, but nothing personal that I loved. And, I've decided to stop putting just pretty things on my walls, but things that mean something, or that I absolutely love. Now, we have finally found a winner!

I got these 16x20 espresso/black frames from JoAnn's (50% off!). I bought 1 1/2 yards of burlap (which is super cheap) and used that as the mattes. I printed the 8x10 photos at Costco, using the lustre and white trim options and then just taped them onto the burlap! I love it now and won't change it again (except to update photos from time to time).

{I got the burlap idea from a new blog gem I just discovered. This woman's house is the one I want to have in heaven.}

Wedded Bliss Anni #11

Menu:

Chicken Parmigana

Orzo Salad

Parmesan Cream Biscuits

French Vanilla Cake with Almond Frosting

Since we already celebrated our anniversary at Magic Mountain, we decided to lay low on this day and spend it with the little people who have joined us since that day, 11 years ago. { Plus, two of them had Strep, so staying in was both by choice and by default.}

"Just how, exactly, does a girl get this lucky?"

I ask myself that all the time.

Summer Reads

Since we did so much traveling this summer, I had lots of occasion to do some reading:

And, I just pre-ordered this:

I always love a good book. Any other recommendations out there?

Like father, like son...

First day of school

Pre-K,

First &

Fourth--

Here we come!

Summer's Last Hurrah-- otherwise known as The Trip Where We Rode Roller Coasters Without Our Kids

We knew we were going to do an overnight date for our anniversary this year. Steve's parents took our kiddos for two days and a night, and I gave Steve full reign over the destination. He chose Magic Mountain. And I was like,

"Awesome".

And then I was like,

"My equilibrium is not what it used to be, and I hope I don't throw up."

The last time we went to Magic Mountain together, we were on another whirlwind LA trip with friends and roommates. We were not-yet-married-but-in-love and man, but we were freshfaced!

11 years later we are married-and-more-in-love.

{And our spirits are still freshfaced. }

The highpoint of the day was after we rode "Goliath" (appropriate name), one of the fastest roller coasters in the country. There is a tunnel at the very beginning of the ride and after the ride was over, I said,

"Did we go through a second tunnel at the end?"

And Steve said,

"Um, no."

And then I said,

" 'Kay, then I'm pretty sure I blacked out for a second there."

Other than that, we had a great time and laughed and waited in long lines where we cuddled and made googly eyes at each other. Just kidding--sorta.

Okay, then we went to Pottery Barn. --

because that is a personal getaway for me?

And finally, we succumbed to gluttony at Buca di Beppo.



Day Two--Hollywood, Beverly Hills, LA Temple, Santa Monica Pier, and lotsa pictures

This morning was such a beautiful California one. I've only posted a few of the pictures I took...which is saying something.

While walking around the beautiful architecture, I got inspired frame a wall of "O"s in our home (ya know, O for Owens). Here's a few...







{ We'll see how it turns out...}









We were brave enough to enter into one store on Rodeo Drive. BCBG Something or other...


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I often whisper to Steve,


"Thank you for marrying me."


And then he whispers back,


"Thanks for saying yes."





A beautiful "O" from Holiness to the Lord

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11 years ago, Steve and I leaned over this pier, as the waves lapped against the dock, and had one of the most significant conversations of our lives. Not ever gonna forget it.

Happy Anniversary Month to us.

Goodbye, Summer.