Inauguration

Inaugural day

I am so blessed to have married my husband, Marcus, and with it gained amazing in-laws. I talk about them from time to time, but usually don’t mention too much about them for fear of outsider opinions.

You see, my father-in-law is the governor of Iowa, and with any political position comes negative or unwanted attention. Yes, most of you who know me/us are aware of this already. I am fiercely protective of my family – total mama bear style – so I do anything in my power to protect them. Which usually means omitting some of the absolutely amazing things we get to experience because of his position. I have (although sometimes reluctantly) shared major events like a trip to the white house, governors conferences and election nights.

Today marks another one of those big events, his inauguration. And instead of blogging about my outfit picks and what hairstyle I should choose, I’m going to let Marcus tell you a little bit about his (and now my) family and why this means so much to him.

History making aside, today is a whirlwind of pomp, circumstance, and emotion. A day when all Iowans eyes are on my father as he is sworn into his sixth and (likely) final term as Governor of the great state of Iowa. I look back on previous inaugurations and partially due to my age, I spent little time in reflection on the grandeur of this event. Today is much different. I am hanging on every word, taking nothing for granted, and finding time to step back often and be in the moment.

I’m honored to be a part of my dad’s special day and I look forward to all the memories we will make as a family over the next four years.

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Obsessed: cope with winter

obsessions_copewithwinter

Serial podcast: I’m not exactly sure how this helps me cope with winter, but it does help me cope with my longer commute. (Which I guess becomes longer during the windy/snowy/ice-filled months.) I blew through season one, and I still have my doubts about whether Adnan is guilty or innocent, but you best believe I’ll be tuning into season two when it airs this year.

Tasman slippers: I’m pretty sure I’ve raved about these in the past, but they are just the best. They keep my feet cozy indoors, but work just as well as a shoe if I need to run outside to take Karl out.

Lilly for Target: Just when I think winter will last forever, I got a nice little reminder that summer will be here before I know it in the form of the next Target collaboration. Yep, I will be outside my nearest store on April 19th to score some colorful gear.

Aveeno lotion: I don’t know about you, but even with humidifers running throughout the winter, my skin gets dry and itchy. I lather up with this Aveeno lotion daily to try to combat said skin. The lavender scent is a bonus!

Lands’ End down parka: This was by far the most practical Christmas gift I received. With a longer rural commute, I figured it was time to have a legit winter coat. Yes, I have lived in Iowa most of my life, but have always seemed to get by with a lighter winter jacket. I’m obsessed with the shimmery olive color. So much more fun than the basic black.

 

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New to the neighborhood

Even though we are officially living in our log home, there are still things that need to be done. And I’m sure I will feel this way for a while.

With a new home come new neighbors, and I wanted to make sure we properly introduced ourselves over the holidays. I combined my two favorite treats, Andes Mint Cookies and Homemade Bailey’s, and Marcus and I went door to door to say HELLO.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

I think this is a thoughtful and easy way to get off to a great start with people whom I’m sure we’ll be depending on in the future to help out with something or other.

Not into making your own goodies? No problem. This could just as easily be done with store-bought cookies and Bailey’s.

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Home sweet log home

A lot happened over the past few weeks. Christmas, New Years and sandwiched in between those two things – our big move into the log home. Things are taking shape, so I thought I would share a few photos with you guys. (You’ll see Karl has a few cameos.)

LivingRm_Before3LivingRm_After4LivingRm_Before4LivingRm_After3LivingRm_Before1LivingRm_After5MasterBdrm_Before2MasterBdrm_After1

There is still a long ways to go, but I’m definitely starting to feel more at home each day that goes by. And so are these two!

Flying in log home

Oh, and we just got our first blanket of snow the other day. How pretty is this scene?!

SnowyLogHome

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Holiday haul

After a serious holiday hiatus, I am back in action.

I spent my two weeks off work enjoying all the things. Not a day went by without realizing just how truly blessed I am.

Here are a few photos from all of our holiday events – a little late because, well, life.

christmas buddies[i’m a sucker for matching pajamas]

santa train[melissa & doug starter train set (similar) from the big guy]

christmas cousins[again with the matching jammies] 

holiday sparkle[santa brought me bling (here and here)]

brunch besties[brunching with friends and everett’s buds]

costco cuties[cruising costco with the kiddies]

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Oh so merry

OhSoMerry

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Obsessed: classic Christmas

I’m pretty traditional when it comes to Christmastime. White lights on everything and Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra for Christmas tunes.

With a busy holiday season underway coupled with settling into a new home, I have a feeling that this year I’m stuck just dreaming of a classic Christmas. But look out next year, our log home is going to be decked to the nines!

obsessions_classicxmas

Plaid wrapping paper: I’m loving all things plaid this season and that theme tends to continue into my holiday decor – right down to the wrapping paper.

White Christmas: A holiday season is not complete for me without sitting down to watch this timeless classic. “It won’t be long before we’ll all be there with snooooowwww.”

Fresh greenery: Team fresh vs. team fake – you know which one I’m on. I prefer fresh greenery to adorn my home each year. I always snag a few of these wreaths from Home Depot on Black Friday every year.

Johnson Brothers Friendly Village china: Mark my words, someday I will own my own holiday china. Until then, I’ll just lust after this gorgeous set. Don’t you think it would look perfect in our log home?

Festive pajamas: Every year I love to wake up on Christmas morning in a pair of holiday-esqe pajamas. This year I already broke them in during Everett’s birthday party. I snagged the pair from Marshall’s then had a local embroidery store monogram them for me. (This also makes for a great inexpensive, yet thoughtful gift.)

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If you just believe

“Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”

This past weekend we celebrated Everett’s first birthday with a Polar Express themed gathering for our family.

Everett First Birthday_stripedstraws[i love paper straws]

Everett First Birthday_favors[party favors for evie’s cousins]

Everett First Birthday_homemadebaileys[breakfast isn’t complete without homemade bailey’s]

Everett First Birthday_cousinsandconductor[cousins and the conductor]

Everett First Birthday_poster[download poster PDF here]

Everett First Birthday_believebanner[believe banner from At Second Street]

Everett First Birthday_cake[pinterest inspiration coming to life]

Everett First Birthday_decorations[a beautiful background for a birthday party]

Everett First Birthday_hotchocolatebar[all the hot chocolate bar fixins’]

Everett First Birthday_ticketcookies[amazing cookies from Confections by Kelly]

Everett First Birthday_sled[evie’s first sled – personalized, of course]

Everett First Birthday_family[one big pajama party]

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Twelve months

Happy birthday to my sweet little man. You are our greatest blessing.
One year down, a lifetime to go.

And now, a year in the life of Everett in photos.

FirstYear_Everett

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Life lately

Things have been quite busy around here over the past few weeks. We are doing some work on the new log home and are planning to start moving items in this weekend. Add to that the regular holiday season hustle and bustle and I’m lucky I even have time to snap a few photos.

hand lettering for the holidays[practicing a little hand lettering for the holidays – hope to do more of this in the new year]

picking out the treet[a special moment at the tree farm]

log homes first wreath[our log home’s first wreath]

bridesmaid bouquet[the most amazing bridesmaid bouquet for my bestie’s wedding last weekend]

their very own log cabin[their very own log cabin!]

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