capture the moment.

take a series of an everyday, even mundane event.

try to look at the photos with a fresh perspective.
crop the out in a new way. change the color and fade them a bit.

let it be the simple things that remind you how beautiful life is.

capture a memory and keep it forever.

inspiration for a monday.

erin from house on hill road and i did a trade and i ended up the proud owner of this aDoRaBLe bag...
and on the inside she stitched my monogram. *my given name is elisabeth nancy, but everyone calls me lisa* I LOVE my new bag. It is the perfect size for filling up (beach toys, groceries, magazines) and heading out.
She's got great tutorials, beautiful photos and lots of inspiration. Head over to house on hill road and say hi for me!! Thanks Erin, you rock!!

let's make noise!

we celebrated david's 6th birthday today with a few close friends. what's david's favorite thing to do?? make NoIsE! so that's what we did...i made a 'banging wall' with pots pans and mixers strung from a clothesline.
i got this idea from soulemama's new book.

grandma and grandpa were able to stay for the party which was a huge treat. plus, my dad made his delicious potato salad...yum!

i found some simple wood instruments online, then the kids took them home as favors.

cupcakes, which matty helped me make and david thoroughly enjoyed!

lily in the sandbox.

there, he is! the birthday boy!!

all the kids were so 'helpful' as david opened his gifts. and he made out like a bandit!
thank you sweet friends for helping us celebrate.
happy birthday david!!

weekend.

we are taking a deep breath as we get back into the swing of things after vacation. trying to find beauty in simple things. trying to let things be crazy and not get stressed.

enjoying my parents who are visiting for a couple days. so, so good to have them here.

david took a big step (literally and figuratively) today. he stepped into the house from the backyard. it's just one step up into the house, but he is hesitant to do it. well, he was hesitant. but today he did it. every achievement is so exciting!

we are planning a birthday celebration for david tomorrow. some of our friends are coming to help us celebrate. more pictures to come! what are your weekend plans?

little red piano

we had a play group/handmade goods sale at joy's house yesterday...which was SO fun. is it bad if three kids are banging on the piano but there is so many kids you don't notice the noise?? it was a full house and a total blast. and i love joy's red piano.

vacation.

a few days in solvang and a few in carpinteria. lots of time to play and relax.

mr. sandhands...bring me a dream.


pretty sure david does not want to get his feet wet.


david walked blocks and blocks around santa barbara and carpinteria.


ahhh, love a big, soft bed! and a sleepy boy, too.


wall-e was a big hit.


browsing around the bookstore.


lots of daddy love.

to be honest, coming home feels really hard. i loved the slow pace and lazy schedule. i always feel overwhelmed jumping back into real life. oh well, ready or not...here I go!!

inspiration for a monday.

messy crayons.

a jewelry-filled gumball machine. yum.

single bird perched on a wire.

slippers under the bed. with bows, of course.

lovebird boutique and jewelry bar. just the window makes be drool.

what's inspiring you today??