EASTER 2018

to get ready for easter, i read the story of the days leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection with the girls each night, and i also slowly collected small items to put in their easter basket over the period of month (shout out to the target's dollar section). the girls loved it and so did i!

we are in these season these days where i am thoroughly enjoying my girls. it's not always like this; that is one of the unexpected lessons of parenthood, that each phase (both good and bad) is temporary.  there was a whole week last year when logan would have a breakdown for reasons unknown to anyone but her and would not be appeased by anything, and there were days when sloane would be in a sour mood as soon as we got home until she went to sleep, likely due to exhaustion from adjusting to school and after-school programs. how strange; that there are times as a parent when you feel like a wretched person for feeling so exhausted and annoyed at your children, but then a few weeks later, or even right after you go to sleep, you miss them, and the moments within those exhausting times. it's a juxtaposition that will never cease to confound me.

the thing that makes this particular time extra special is that the girls really SEE each other and love each other. it's the best thing i've been around as a parent, and somehow it makes everything sweeter and a little bit easier. they are kind to each other, play with each other, and find joy in the little things as long as they are together.

logan looks up to sloane and follows her older sister's lead, she adopts all the variations of "happy birthday" and "rock scissors paper" that sloane comes home and teaches her, sloane is so kind and willing to share everything with logan, and is delighted that logan can and is willing to play all her games and pretend play with her.  i've thought more than once that i wish i could keep them at this exact age, for a whole year.

back to easter! after church, we went to picnic at the japanese garden at maymont, which is becoming one of my favorite spots, and took our time eating and letting the kids play. on our walk back, we lingered as the kids explored trees, flowers and fields, and followed their pace, a welcome change from the hurry that we are used to.

SPRING, STAY AWHILE! AND LOIS' BIRTHDAY

the days are longer, which means all of us get more light at the end of the day while we are together, and it is giving me life.  the sunlight, the soft air, sprouting buds and the colors on the flowers are all awakening and reorienting my soul; finally, spring seems to be here.  

the girls and i have joyously had dinner outside the past couple of days, and i plan to continue that for as long as i possible can, until the evenings get muggy and the mosquitoes bothersome. besides all that outdoor moments that spring and summer has to offer, what am i looking forward to most? reading the books on my reading list. there are some good ones on there. 

there is this sweet neighborhood called takoma park in maryland, right at the border of washington, d.c. that we discovered in the past couple of years while visiting my sister in silver spring. we've loved spending time on these couple of blocks with shops and restaurants - and checking out the houses in the neighborhood around it. a few weeks ago, we went back to that place, to meet together and celebrate my cousin's birthday at a handsome place called takoma bev. we got coffee along with our brunch food (i got the moussaka!), sang happy birthday over a pan of brownies, and walked up and down the block holding hands and admiring the window displays. 

INSPIRATION: HOME DESIGN

hi! i'm still here. i just realized it's been a month since i've last posted and that's probably the longest hiatus i've had on this blog, maybe ever.  there have been several things going on over here and i chose to spend every ounce of extra energy i had on those things, gladly.  i have a slew of updates though, especially in the form of photos, so stay tuned.

in the meanwhile, i wanted to make sure to share this design inspiration from today: a house tour on cup of jo. i love it so much, even though it's not exactly my style or how i would design this space, i love the creativity, artistry and energy of this space.

things that i'm inspired by: i love how they make their own art, how they find vintage pieces that are unique, and how they're not afraid to try things and change things up.

HILARY'S BIRTHDAY

happy wednesday! happy to have made it here, happy to have watched black panther last night, happy to have these old friends nearby as we all hit 35 this year.  i have known these ladies since high school and we have somehow stayed bosom buddies ever since.  along with our 35th birthdays, we are celebrating 20 years of friendship this year! 

a few weeks ago we celebrated with hilary on hers and we spent hours and hours talking, drinking, eating, laughing and talking some more. it was wonderful and it made me excited to be 35 with ladies like these by my side. i have a good feeling about this year...