Here is a fun way to make your own stamps. Get one of these kits. Carve out whatever you have in mind {if you do letters remember you have to do the mirror image}, glue your stamp to a handle {I used an old wooden bead and a wooden spool} and stamp away.

Ross and I talk about cars a lot. Not fancy cars, more like cars that work for our family. Our conversations are always concluded with the agreement that our perfect car does not exist. A perfect car for us would be safe, fit in our garage, good for camping, a hybrid or electric or diesel, have good design, and be low maintenance. Recently we added a new requirement: it should be a good place for Ross to work when he works at home. The thought of a Westfalia has always been in the rotation of our car analysis but since our first test drive last weekend we are totally consumed by the idea. Many snacks were eaten by H as we drove him and his brother all over San Diego county {150 miles worth} looking for the perfect Westfalia. Our most notable destination this weekend was in Alpine where Henry uncovered a Gravedigger Monster Truck that he could drive. After our recent trip to the Monster Truck Rally he has been obsessed. I almost thought it was a good idea to buy this van on the spot for the simple fact that the seller wanted to give H Gravedigger and it wouldn't fit in the Prius {it's a sign!}. See I am a bit of an impulse buyer. Not good when buying a 30 year-old used car. We didn't buy one this weekend but we have some potentials that we are excited about. Not fuel efficient, might not fit in the garage, NOT low maintenance, but the fun that could be had is endless. Thoughts of reupholstering with blankets {Pendleton or Mexican, can't decide}, having a mobile "beach house", and sleeping in the van together {I can't think of anything better} is 100% PURE HAPPINESS for me.
Super Bowl Sunday was spent at the beach. Although a beer and some good commercial watching would have been fun too, the weather was begging for us to come play.

A very impromptu party = lots of fun. Hope this is a very Happy New Year for you all.
I see big things for 2012... I can't wait.

May your holiday be full of love.

wrap:
Ikea drawing paper
bakers twine
jute twine
candy canes
Delphine Press tags

Just 12 more days... we are half way there on the Advent calendar. Christmas is going to be magical this year ~ I can feel it ~ bike under the tree magical.

Rarely do my stars align to have a quiet moment to myself, so I thought I would take the opportunity to photograph and post these wings I made for a friend. Miss you all out there in blogland. I hope someday soon I will be back. My creative energies have been given to my two little guys for the last 4 1/2 months. I guess I look at them and think, "Should I make Popcorn and play or Post?" Popcorn always wins.

*wing tutorial found here.

10 years ago Julie and I were two early 20 somethings on the way home from Vegas after 12 wild hours on New Years Eve. Julie convinced me that she knew a 'short cut.' The grueling and boring 6 hour drive home turned into 9 hours. No doubt we listened to country and some offensive rap the entire way home. Reminiscing about the ridiculous adventures from the night before. Today we have 5 boys between us and the idea of a 'short cut' has new meaning. Like Julie said "In those days we were consumed with how much fun we could have in lieu of sleep and now we can't figure out how to sleep enough!" My impulse is to say... 'those were the days' but I am sure in 10 years I will say that about the stage we are in now.

Here is to dear friendships & sleeping babies.

I thought I would share some items that have been my absolute favorite things during this newborn stage, top to bottom.
Voluspa Vervaine Olive Leaf Candle - Have you smelt this one? Oh my! it is so clean and fresh and wonderful.
Eddie Vedder Ukulele Songs - This has been on heavy, heavy rotation since Ross gave it to me for my birthday. I am pretty much obsessed with it. Eddie Vedder is so incredible and the sound of the ukulele takes me away. Most of the songs EV wrote but a few of them are old ditties from the 30's and 40's there is a duet with Chan Marshall (Cat Power) that is so sweet.
A Sequoia Tree Pine Cone - When my grandmother passed away my aunt gave one of these to all of us. My grandmother was an amazing outdoors-woman and always took a souvenir from her backpacking trips {I think this is against the law but really she only took little things :)}. I held this pine cone through my labor and now it sits on the windowsill next to Conrad's crib.
Wee Gallery Art Cards - I was given these cards when Henry was born and now both of my boys have loved them. I set them in Conrad's crib or on the changing table and he just stares at them. They are especially brilliant when I need a shower.
The NoseFrida - This thing is amazing. Really I want one for myself. The tag line is "The Snotsucker" and it is true. It gets everything and is not as scary as that blue bulb that they send you home with at the hospital.
Bossypants - Funniest. Book. Ever. Since having Conrad I haven't been reading much but this book has been great for a chapter here and there. Ross actually read parts of it to me in the labor and delivery room and we had to stop because I was laughing so hard that the nurses couldn't monitor my contractions.
Bamboo Swaddle Blankets - These are so amazing, so incredibly soft and cozy. Perfect for a good swaddle and a cuddle.

This weekend we went to a wedding that I will never forget. Ever. Everything about it was pure magic. The setting was breathtaking we were at the grooms family ranch. From the moment that we pulled into the property I was teary thinking about the love that was poured into this event. Friends had been camping out for days helping with the wedding. The bride and her friends were making jam for months, pies for weeks, everything was handmade so beautifully and with so much love. There were 400 people there; everyone was drinking out of jelly jars, dancing to blue grass and having the time of their life. Dan, Grace and their entire family are some of the most amazing people you ever want to know. Ross and I don't get to see them all very often but whenever we do it has always become a highlight into our story together. In fact one of our first dates was spent watching the sunset in the spot that they were married. We love this family so much and we could not be happier for them with the addition of Grace. She is the real thing... humble, strong, beautiful, wise and madly in love with Dan. Grace, Carla and Erin {who I just met this weekend and think she is the bees knees too} have a farmstand {Jalama Road Family Farmstand} that is so incredibly special.