Gee Dub

Logan's President's Day Project ~ George Washington in papier mache.

The resemblence is so there!

Vintage Love

I just can't hold back any longer.  I MUST share...

Erin Edwards and her creative team make incredibly beautiful treasures from

necklaces, rings and bracelets to key chains and keepsakes.  Their creations are truly unique and each one is a keepsake in itself.

And...(the best part) - when you purchase a one-of-a-kind creation from TVP, not only are you giving something amazing to yourself, you're also giving to those who just might not have as many blessings to count as you. 

why we do what we do

The Vintage Pearl works closely with several non profit organizations, Christian Ministries and orphanages. We have a heart for people in need, and the success of the company allows us to give. We have several pieces for a cause where monies are donated for each sale, but we also give in other areas (missions, church needs, etc.) as we feel led.

When you buy one of our pieces you are blessing someone is need!

A few places we have donated to:

Stop Child Trafficking Now
Tulsa Dream Center
Orphan Shield
The Mercy House
Inspire International Ministries

Sooo...if you love vintage-inspired, hand-stamped, gorgeous jewelry and helping others, you MUST check out The Vintage Pearl.  (Come on - you know you want to!)

The Vintage Pearl Blog

The Vintage Pearl Website

The Magic Is In The Hole

Once Logan and I have returned to Washington, exploring new adventures is our plan.  We are going to take advantage of all the wonderful things and amazing places the Pacific Northwest has to offer. 

First stop...

Can't wait to lose myself in all the yumminess.  There are only a few things that Colorado just doesn't have to offer us Pacific Northwesterners...doughnuts is one of them. 

While going through security at Portland International on my way back to Denver, I met two fellow flyers who were on their way home after vacationing in Oregon.  In their arms they carried two big, pink Voo Doo Doughnut boxes. 

I must admit that every time I hear anything about Voo Doo Doughnuts, I laugh...I laugh because my little muffinhead, sweet and innocent as he is, believes that it is called "Doo Doo Doughnuts." 

Potholes of Life

It is said that the trials and tribulations of life are what make us strong, make us who we are.  Well then... start addressing me as Hercules please!

The road we choose to travel is there to teach us a lesson of some sort or another.  Well, I don't recall choosing the road littered with pot-holes.  That is the road, however, I have travelled.  Why didn't I just turn back?  Take a detour?  Turn my hazards on and wait for someone to rescue me?  I don't have answers to those questions.  I just continue to hold on to hope that I am nearing the end of this bumpy road. 

I know I must be getting close - I can feel the anticipation of relief.  I have persevered and triumphed over this God-forsaken fork in the road. 

My journey was not in vain...it was for a power much higher than myself.  Something so much bigger than I am.  A force so strong that I knew taking the easy way out was not an option. 

I have learned much about myself along this little trip...I am a fighter, I am determined, I am prideful.  I have learned to give when necessary to benefit others.  And I have learned to stand my ground when giving for others means sacrificing my soul. 

I will, in due time, give thanks to this bumpy road littered with pot holes.  For now, however, I will just sit back and enjoy the scenery a bit, waiting for the smooth black asphalt at the end of the road.

Popcorn Tree

Strange day today was.  It was back to school for Logan after a week off for spring break.  And of all things...we awoke to snow.  I bundled Logan up in his snow boots, heavy winter coat, and gloves.  In true Colorado fashion, however, when I picked him up from school only three hours later, the skies were blue, the sun was shining, and any hint of snow was a distant memory. 

Logan stripped himself of his winter attire and headed outside to plant "popcorn trees" in the warm sunshine.  After only 30 minutes, he was headed into the house where he changed into his swim trunks (and ONLY swim trunks) and headed back outside to "clean" the back patio.

A couple hours later, Logan was back into his sweats, t-shirt, and a hoody (and his newly acquired soccer shin guards) and we were outside playing soccer...while tiny little snowflakes fell from the sky!

It IS true what they say here - "If you don't like the weather, just wait ten minutes!"

Credits: Scrapkit - "Sleepover" by Julia @ Everyday Mom Ideas

Scrapkit - "Eco Friend" @ Sweet Shoppe Designs

Denver Makes the World a Better Place

Thank you, Denver, for bringing me laughter and smiles when they were needed.  You are truly deserving of your very own Facebook page!

Denver the Guilty Dog's Facebook Page

*UPDATE* 

My brush with fame!  A comment from Denver herself...



Denver Our Guilty Dog sends greetings to Tia in beautiful Denver, CO! Sounds like you're havin' fun -- ROCK ON, girl! xoxo

A Stitch in Time

Just have to give a BIG shout out to my friend Dawn's gorgeous new site (and talent)...

She creates G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S crocheted hats, headbands, diaper covers, and slippers for infants, toddlers, and children.

These are only a small sample of her work. You can see more of her talent by visiting

her website at:  http://www.wix.com/4squaredshop/4-squared

her Etsy shop at:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/4SquaredCrochetShop

or her Facebook page at:  http://www.facebook.com/4SquaredCrochetShop

Know someone having a baby soon...just had a baby...or has a little one (or not so little)? These make the perfect gift for any occasion or simply just because. Visit Dawn at one of the links above and browse through her catalogue and photos. You will be glad you did!

Reflecting

Each time my little man is away from me, I sit for hours glued to my computer screen looking at old photos and videos. And each time, I feel that old tug of what was. The old cliche "they grow up so fast" really doesn't even BEGIN to describe just how fast they DO grow up...and, eventually, away.

For now, I will hold tight to my baby's hand and help him grow and discover his world. And although some day he will expect me to let go of that hand, with hesitation I will. But...I will forever hold on to his heart!

The Elusive Peace

PEACE

1.  A state of tranquility or quiet;

     a.  A freedom from civil disturbance;

     b.  A state of security or order within a

          community provided for by law or

          custom.

2.  Freedom from disquieting thoughts or

      oppressions. 

3.  Harmony in personal relations.

4.  a.  A state or period of mutual concord

            between parties.

     b.  A pact or agreement to end

            hostilities between those who have

            been at war or in a state of enmity.

Dear Peace,

How I long for you.  You are the first hope in the morning and the last prayer at night.  I have searched for you endlessly for years to no avail.  At times, I can see you peeking around the corner.  I run to you at full throttle only to find you have, once again, disappeared into the abyss.  For short, sporadic moments I have enjoyed your company but your visits are brief.  Teasing almost.  I know you are out there, somewhere.  I would love to welcome you a place to reside.  I will ask nothing of you...just your presence.  If you need directions, I will eagerly supply them.  I will even meet you half way if necessary. 

Oh, you are more than welcome to bring your companion along with you, Hope!

Blessings to you.  I look forward to welcoming PEACE and HOPE into my world!

Anxiety Girl

Thank goodness for Xanax!

Push My Button

Brilliant!!! Wish I could take credit for this but alas, it is not mine to take credit for.

Positivity in one's world is so essential. Lately, positivity has been lacking in mine. I am bound and determined, however, to make it my mission. And yes, you can help! Uplifting, positive, kind thoughts wanted within, so...

Go ahead - PUSH MY BUTTON!!! (but not this one - the one over there)

{You will be taken to this entry's page. Just leave a positive comment. The more, the better!}

The Sound of Silence

Ssssshhhhhh...Listen - can you hear it? Me either! Silence -- I honestly don't know what to do with it. It's so foreign to me that I am at a loss with it. What do I do? Turn the television up to full volume? Crank up some Motley Crue? Or should I just sit and take it all in...get lost in it...surround myself with it?

Wait...what was that? "Mommy, watching?" "Butt clean as a whistle?" Hmmmm, must have been my imagination.

Silence...it truly is golden!