I love working with Stephanie from Geezee Custom Canvas, not just because she’s sweet and friendly but also because I absolutely LOVE her product. I love that she’s a small business and creates beautiful keepsakes for your home, keepsakes that are meaningful and super cool.

She is sending me a canvas, a photo of my FOUR babies with a quote that I love. I absolutely can’t wait to see it in person and you can bet that I’m going to share it with you guys.

Here’s a preview she sent, CAN YOU EVEN TAKE HOW AWESOME IT IS? And the quote from the Avett Brothers? I love them so much it hurts, so when I thought to add it to the canvas, I nearly died at the perfection of it all.

WIN IT! One lucky reader will win a $75.00 gift certificate to her shop! Each of you can have up to four chances to win:

1. leave a comment telling me what you think you would do with your $75.00 gift certificate.

2. “like” Geezees on Facebook

3. share this giveaway on Facebook

4. tweet about @geezees and this giveaway

You must leave four separate comments in order for each of them to count!

But wait, it’s Cyber Monday and Stephanie is offering a special today. Purchase two custom canvases and receive free shipping (a $30 value) enter EGGNOG at checkout. Hurry, this special ends today, November 28th! (if you take advantage of this deal AND you win the giveaway, first, you are a lucky dog, second, Stephanie will refund the giveaway amount back to you. I told you she was wonderful.)

Giveaway ends Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 9:00 PM CST. Winner is picked randomly so please do not say ‘PICK ME.’

I’ll be back with, like, words and stuff soon. I have so much to tell you, like, how I’m sleeping better than I have in months. or how Eli grew 12 inches in the past two weeks. or how much Anna loves being a big sister to a little sister. or how Noah acts like Clara has been in our family for years.

So, basically, I’ll come back and tell you that my kids are awesome, THE END.

My bright, intelligent and talented soul sister, Jennifer Helen came up with the concept of Triple W a few years ago. Triple W is a workshop for the working woman, a place to learn how to integrate work and life. She did what so many of only wish we could do. She built on that concept, her dream and now that dream is a reality. I attended last year’s workshop and within hour one, I sat in the chair, my body numb from what I was listening to, my life feeling changed for the better. As each hour passed, the feeling expanded, my head wanted to explode from what I was hearing. From the very basic ideas of what makes woman tick, how men and women are different, how to seek peace from the moment you wake in the morning until the moment you lay your head on your pillow at night, to listening to your creative side and how to transform your life into something less stressful, more beautiful, MORE YOU. (and once the workshop is over, it doesn’t leave you, you have take-aways and partners you work with once you’re back at home in the midst of appointments and diapers and getting ready for work.) The idea is brilliant. The workshop is absolutely life changing.

This year the workshop is taking place at Google in Chicago on September 16th and 17th. Right now, TWF is offering a discount of $100 that ends THIS FRIDAY, September 2nd. I promise you, you will only regret NOT attending. You (and your family, your spouse, your friends, your employers) will gain so much by attending this. I could not love this workshop more. You can find more information about the workshop here:

And if you’re going this year, tell me in the comments. I’d love to be one of your accountability partners for the following year. I will not be attending TWF this year because of my pregnancy status but I will be making my Life Transformation Plan, as I did last year. Last year at TWF, I announced to my accountability partner that “I am a photographer.” Which was a very difficult thing to say. I said these words and I followed them around and I felt them in my hands and I sat with them for hours and soon, I truly believed and now, one year later, I have a successful, money-making photography business. TWF taught me to REACH for the stars, gave me the courage to put myself out there and also taught me how to do just that.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me or I can put you in direct contact with Jennifer Helen. (and then you’ll meet her and probably die because she’s one of the most beautiful, genuine, soulful people YOU WILL EVER MEET. And this is truth and can be backed up by hundreds of people.)

Anyway. JUST GO.

whew.

You can “like” Triple W on Facebook and find out a ton of information about it here. Also, check out the photos from last year’s event.

One more thing about Jennifer Helen. She and I have known each other for a very, very long time. Something like, seventeen years. She is married, has three bright and hilarious children, she’s a yoga instructor, she has her own business. She doesn’t just put these workshops together, she IS this workshop. She lives it and breathes it and is a true testimony that integration of work and life (and spirit and soul) is completely possible. (literally every.single. detail of this workshop is considered.)

She and I have spent countless, COUNTLESS hours sitting at restaurants, eating six different appetizers, drinking coffee or beer, and we talk. And talk. And talk. And every time I leave that table and hug her goodbye (her hugs are by far the greatest things in the universe), I leave feeling fulfilled and light. Like I just had the best and most effective and life changing therapy session. So, when she first told me about this “workshop” and this idea that she’s working on. All I could think was, “of course it will come together and be a success because if I can sit across from her a table in a diner for three hours and we are talking about work and family and life and I feel like I’m in the presence of pure greatness, then how would it feel to spend a WEEKEND listening to the very people who shape HER.” And? She speaks, too. And you fall in love with her and the butterflies and her soul and TWF. And everything comes together and for the first time in a long time you remember how beautiful life is SUPPOSED to be but you lost sight of that because life is chaotic and hard and demanding.

But she reminds you.

And then every time you’re driving and the sun filters through your windows, and you’re sitting at a stop light (which you won’t mind doing after TWF), you’ll see a beautiful and unique butterfly fluttering across your windshield, you’ll be reminded of the greatness of this life. YOUR LIFE.

And you’ll think of Jennifer Helen and you’ll close your eyes briefly and breathe a soft breath and you’ll remember that life is that moment. So, what will you make of it?

This post? Is NOT sponsored. It comes from MY heart, MY mind and MY soul. I’m sharing this with you because it’s beautiful and life changing and it’s something I love and want to share with all of you.

I don’t know.

So much has happened over the past 8 days, beginning with Sam’s passing. Two other people who impacted our family passed away, as well. I’ve been working non-stop, Eli has been so sick or cutting teeth or something that’s causing him to only cry – not eat or sleep, just cry.

I dare not complain.

In fact, I lay in bed at night and think about the sweetness that occurred in my day. The people I was able to meet and hug last week, my children, who knew Samantha, being extra sensitive and so very sweet to their Mama and my husband doing everything he can to help me and the family and even Samantha’s family. Anna hasn’t really left my side since last week. Even when I nap, she “naps,” too by sitting on my bed and reading a book or coloring. I fall asleep to the sound of her crayons hitting the bottom of the container and the sound of choosing another color. The type of sound that can lead you directly to your childhood.

I think I’m just living in fear right now. As if last week God reminded me to not get too comfortable. A big booming voice in my head that said “I’ve taken away before…” And then I remember where we’ve gone these past few years, how far we’ve come and how quickly it can disappear again. Emotionally, I’m holding on tighter but emotionally I am so scared of the unimaginable happening.

I’m okay, I promise you. And my orange juice is working, so now I’m feeling even a little bit better.

There’s a lot of darkness but also a lot of light. I’m doing what I can do focus on the light.

But today? I really need him to sleep.

I have about a trillion things on my mind right now, like a really cool session I have tonight or the six mini-sessions I have tomorrow, or family in town to visit, or my insanely messy and I’ll be honest, DIRTY house. Or the fact that I’m frustrated that I feel like my kids aren’t loving enough. And I don’t mean they don’t snuggle enough, I just think they aren’t LOVING enough. Things. People. Ideas, etc.

I try to remind myself that it’s probably just a phase. Kids are selfish! Right? But, still, the things I’m seeing and hearing hurt my heart and are affecting me a great deal.

So, they’ve inspired me to simplify my life with less things. Less Barbies and Cars and even less books and less Legos and more walks and swinging and picnics with bologna sandwiches and watermelon and Oreos.

For Christmas I asked for this book and I finally just cracked it open last week and it’s speaking to me LOUDLY.

(I was going to take a photo of this book on my white nightstand against my blue wall and the green accents of my quilt, it would have looked so cool but I decided to simplify and skip that part. But trust me, it would have been a pretty photo.)

It’s written by a blogger, whose name is Tsh. Even her name is simple.

So, Tsh is speaking to me with her words (without her even realizing it) and it’s helping me mentally so now I just have to physically simplify which is hard with 9 sessions in one week (don’t fret, six of those are minis) and three kids and a baby girl dancing in my belly and a husband who works and goes to grad school and eating lots of ice cream and and and and and…

but I’m going to do it. RIGHT NOW.

It’s funny because my big huge projects, like reorganizing my master bathroom, which, I assure you, is a BIG BIG project and probably wasn’t done properly when we moved here three years ago, well, after my shower yesterday, I just reorganized one little shelf in my linen closet and guess what? I love it. I took a piece of the GIANT PROJECT LOOMING OVER MY HEAD and took a slice and completed it and it helped me.

(and motivated me)

So, that’s where I’m at today. I’m extremely happy. Crazy overwhelming. But definitely inspired.

I love being inspired.

And now? Eli is sleeping so I have lots of work to do starting right now.

Happy Friday, friends!

If you’re reading in a reader, click through and take a peek and tell me what you think! My friend Nicole over at Pixel Boutique, once again, has amazed me with her skills.

I’m happy, it feels so feminine and soft. It’s a good place to be.

I wanted to let you know of an auction that’s been put together by Melissa and Hyacynth for the victims of the Joplin tornado. The proceeds are going to the Salvation Army. The auction has just begun. I’m donating my Love print in an 11×14. It will be available for auction tomorrow at 2 pm.

This  beautiful project was inspired by their friend, Sarah, (a fellow blogger) who lives in Joplin. You can read her story here. So much generosity here, let’s keep it going.

Full Auction Line-up

Wednesday May 25
8am Assorted Watercolor Note Cards from Cards Direct ($40 value)
9am Art of Doing Nothing Poster from Tammy Lee Bradley ($28)
10am Gussy Sews Shop Credit ($25)
11am Thai Silk Pillow Covers from Jaime Shaw ($40)
12noon Hand Knit Market Tote from A Soft Landing ($35)
1pm Secret Hope Necklace from Create Beauty Daily ($38)
2pm Busy Body Book Bundle from Busy Body Books ($40)
3pm Handmade Ring Sling from Prairie Mama ($75)
4pm {So} Sack from {So} Sartina ($29)
5pm $100 Sweet Deal Credit from Mamapedia ($100)
6pm Pair of Spring/Summer Shoes from Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes ($100-140)

Thursday May 26
8am Strength and Hope Necklace from Shinning Stones ($20)
9am $25 Stonyfield Organic Product & Cookbook ($43)
10am Fractured Glass Print from Tammy Lee Bradley ($25)
11am DaySpring Collection ($40)
12noon Monster Softie from Samster Mommy ($35)
1pm Vintage Fabric Fat Quarters from Sew Lovely Designs ($20)
2pm 11×14 Love Print from Beth Fletcher Photography and June Afternoons ($38)
3pm Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Peasant Dress from Smashed Peas and Carrots ($36)
4pm Camera Strap Cover from Eclectic Whatnot ($38.50)
5pm $50 Gift Certificate from The Vintage Pearl ($50)
6pm Logo Design from NW Designs ($100)
7pm Ultimate Fan Pack from Discovery Channel ($200)

This weekend went by so quickly and so beautifully. I want to say that I loved almost every second of it. We went for walks, I had a fun session, we went flower shopping, I began transforming my front porch into a place that I LOVE. (I’ll show pictures, soon!) My sister from Nebraska visited. (isn’t so sad how being able to see someone you love who you haven’t seen in so long is just a reminder of how much you miss that person? We were only able to spend 3 hours together but those three hours were really, really good.)

We went to the park and planted more flowers, we had dinner at home and also ordered pizza.

Poor little Eli stayed sick all weekend. He had a fever we could not bring down from Friday morning through Sunday evening. Which was the reason for so many of the walks. He just loves to be out and about. Then, it broke on Monday morning. He’s still not himself but his fever is gone.

Monday morning, I had an appointment with my OB and heard the baby’s heartbeat.

I am so grateful for this weather we are having. The sun has been so generous and the breeze so soft. Eli has spent hours crawling around on the grass and pushing toys and playing with rocks.

Brian has been my super garden assistant. And home assistant and super Dad and he does all of the laundry. All of the time. I don’t know how he does it. So quick and seemingly effortless.

I swear this weather has been so good for my pregnancy. I’ve had so much energy and I feel great. It’s like the blue skies call me out to go for walks and that walking gives me energy to clean the kitchen or play outside or sit on the floor and play with the kids.

Bedtime rolls around and Anna and Noah are tired and cranky and unbelievably dirty from playing with friends, swinging on swings, going on bike rides and playing with Eli. We wash up and brush our teeth, they read for a few minutes, we turn their lights out and within minutes, they are sleeping.

Brian and I head back downstairs for downtime. Relaxation and ice cream.

Maybe two bowls. But who’s counting?

The best part? Summer hasn’t even begun.

So if you don’t hear from me so often? I promise. It’s a very good thing.

Well, I guess when I say “news” I don’t actually mean CNN, I just mean, “In my head.”

I wanted to come here and talk to you guys about the point of my pregnancy I’m in but time is not allowing me to do that right now. But I did want to stop in and tell you a few other important things.

First:

If you live in Northwest Indiana (or the surrounding area, of course) I am hosting Father’s Day Mini Sessions on June 4th. The idea is that I’m taking Mom (You!) from behind the camera and photographing you with your kids  as a special gift to your husband for Father’s Day.

I am only scheduling six 30 minute sessions, only four remain. Also, I updated the design of my BFP blog, so head over and check it out. It looks extra pretty!

Second:

Remember my cute photography project June Afternoons? Well, since we’ve met and exceeded our goal for Team James and Jake, I’ve decided to begin donating to the victims of the floods and tornadoes that have affected so many in the United States this spring. If you head over, you’ll see that all proceeds from the sales from this shop go directly to just that. I believe I have found an organization where I can purchase baby food, diapers, canned goods, etc and ship directly to this organization and they will distribute, as needed. (still investigating) Any remaining funds will be donated to the American Red Cross. Please keep in mind that I do not receive any profit from this project, it’s something I’m doing so I can help. (for the March of Dimes, I was able to donate over $700 from this shop. This after the cost of listing, shipping, supplies and printing.)

Also, I just listed these postcards. I have two sets, in stock, ready to ship. Last time I had a set, I posted them on twitter and they sold in four minutes. So, I’m sharing with all of you first. (because you’re my favorites)

And finally, I’ve decided to give away a print from June Afternoons.

This print is an 8×10, a beautiful photo taken by THE Lisa Leonard. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Just head over to the shop and tell me, in the comments of this post, which print is your favorite. That’s it! I’ll choose the winner, randomly, tomorrow evening. Comments close on Tuesday, May 17th and the print will ship on Wednesday!

Tweeting or Facebooking about this giveway will earn you extra entries! Just leave the link in a separate comment, in order for that entry to count!

Good luck and happy browsing!

(please don’t say “pick me,” saying that will earn you a time out.)

I especially love this garland because it was purely my idea and not something I saw online. But mostly I love it because it’s so simple to do that it’s nearly embarrassing. But that’s how my crafting rolls. If it ain’t easy? I get it off Etsy. Am I right or am I right?

With all of my babies, during their first year, I took a photo of them on the day of the month they were born through 12 months next to a little stuffed animal. With Eli’s first year photos, I printed them out, at home, about 45 minutes before the party.

I opened up my drawer that contains everything that has no home and pulled out a hole punch, ribbon and well, scotch tape.

I punched a hole on each side of the photo and began weaving the ribbon throughout the holes. I decided to let the ribbon show in the front and have the ribbon in the back for every other one. I began weaving the photos on the left side of the length of the ribbon, so I began with  the 12 month photo and pulled it completely over to the right., then 11 months, 10 months, etc. If you’re ribbon isn’t long enough, do not despair, just cut another section of ribbon and staple the ribbon together, hiding the stapled section of the ribbon behind one of the photos. (this happened to me. Of course, it did.)

When all of the photos are attached to the ribbon, you can move them about freely, making sure they are spaced just as you want them.

And, to keep things fancy, I attached the photo garland to my mantle with scotch tape. Probably lots of it to make my eight year old daughter proud.

Had I more time, more photo paper and more ink, I probably would have created another for the kitchen. The guests loved looking over how much this sweet boy had changed throughout the year.