Currently...

James, Henry, Addison, Bobby

Reading: My bible. No, I'm serious, I'm making it more of a MUST do before bed. It's really the only free time I have minus nap time which let's face it, is more like "shower, wash dishes, pay bills, clean up" time. I have also started reading a book my dear friend Emily gave me called, "Well Done Good and Faithful Mommy". I'll be sure to do a review of some sort when I finish! Which is hopefully sooner than later...

Doing: This week I started walking with the boys! Granted, we've only gone twice, yesterday we went for about 30 minutes, and today was a solid hour. Hoping to get rid of some of this pregnancy chubb that I like to call "J+H=35lbs"...yup.

Enjoying: This season! What a wonderful, hard, crazy, spirit seeking season! It's been rough, beautiful, exhausting, and everything else in between, but I have to tell myself to slow down, appreciate the tiny hand holding, snail trails on my shirts from Henry's drooling and spit up, the giddiest giggles from James----the best. We just took a trip to Arizona for my nephew's birthday, and the boys were so great! James was able to keep up with his cousins and played so well with them for the first time. I loved seeing him engage and enjoy himself with kids close to his age.

Watching: Revenge on Netflix, Parenthood on NBC, and of course Downton Abbey on PBS! And that's honestly about it. Ever since ABC stopped airing recent episodes on their websites, I haven't been able to catch up on Modern Family, Pretty Little Liars, etc. Boo on you ABC! Boooo!!!

Loving: These crazy boys of mine! Henry is so full of life these days, and James is whew! James...haha. Mitch is keeping me on my toes too with his crazy busy schedule, but hey! I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my people. They keep me grounded, level headed/crazy headed, busy and happy. For example, Henry was in the best mood ever today, and James was being silly and decided to tickle Henry and ohhh maaan...I have footage you guys. I will share that soon! :)

S.O to Sometimes Sweet for the idea to do "Currently" posts!

Currently...

Reading: Other than my newest Real Simple magazine, there's not much time for reading around here, unless it's the Cat in the Hat at bedtime! (Currently James' favorite book before bed).

Eating: Food that has been delivered and/or made by close friends + our church family! Thank you all so much for blessing us in this way. Truth be told, it is a HUGE relief for me. I don't know about you other mamas, but once 6pm rolls around, I AM BEAT! And making dinner with a toddler & a newborn in the house is so tough! It's almost like juggling, hopping on one foot, AND spelling supercalifragilisticexpialidocious out-loud! In other words, it's hard and tiring, so thank you!

Thinking About: How to balance being a mom///wife///and myself, Friends that are going through a lot, family that is far away, the HOLIDAYS that are coming up and how to cherish the memories that will hopefully be made, the new season we are in as a family (lots of faith and trust), and what my role is in all of this. I'm going to go ahead and call this "Thinking About" section, the "Praying About" section :)

Right before this was taken, James had a poopy diaper, Henry was screaming his head off, Teddy was barking, and I was "busy"all at the SAME TIME! It was awful, but we all managed to get through it.

Listening to: I haven't bought this album yet, but so far I like what I've heard!

Enjoying: The memory of Ireland whenever October rolls around, the memory of Mitch asking me to be his girlfriend 10 years ago this month, the memory of our wedding day 6 years ago this month, the shifting of the seasons as we approach cooler weather accompanied by warm tones and blues music (I always listen to old blues and jazz this time of year), and of course drinking Starbucks Anniversary blend. MMM....autumn!

18 year old Ana in Ireland. Take note that I am wearing my brother's active sweater, a pooka shell necklace, and I have very mousse filled wavy hair. Ahhh, adolescence! 

Watching: ALL OF THESE...

pss- I've also been watching a lot, and I mean A LOT of Thomas & Friends. I pretty much have the theme song down. "They're two, they're four, they're six, they're eight, shunting trucks and hauling freight..."

Proof: J watching Thomas in his fave chair.

Loving: Whenever James hears a train passing through the Fullerton train station, he points to his ear and says, "HMMM???!!" We can hear the train horns up here on the hill at night and it's so funny whenever James hears them too! Henry's chubb is coming in! Can't wait for those extra delicious cinnamon roll thighs! My friends that have been pregnant are now catching up and holding their very own babes (shout out to you Kaylyn!). Teddy's furry body snuggled close on the few chilly nights we've had so far, and reflecting on the sermon Mitch gave on Sunday:

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:1&2

Currently...

Reading: Franny & Zooey by J.D Salinger-so far I'm on page 65 and it's an interesting read because the characters are very well written. Not sure what to expect from these sibilings, but based on a lot of your responses, it's bound to be a great read!

Eating: A lot of prepped food by my mama. She's been here almost 2 weeks and is leaving this Sunday. I am gonna be sooo lost without her for a while. Guess it's time to buckle down and get this two babies thing down and see what happens! Bring it on, littles!

Thinking About: A LOT. But mostly amazed at how good life really is. He is so good to me. So so good. That's all.

Listening to: THIS, on repeat...



Enjoying: All the quiet moments with Henry, the snuggling at night with James as I've come to realize just how much of a "big boy" he really is, my mom being under the same roof as me, my husband pursuing something that has been on his heart for years and years, adjusting to all the crazy that is around me with having two young babes, PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES, and last but not least, the idea that turning 28 Thursday doesn't bother me one bit because I'm exactly where I want to be at my age. There's nothing more satisfying than looking back the last 28 years and thinking, "Cool. It's been fun." 

Watching: Parenthood. I so wanna be a Braverman. I'm on Season 3 trying to catch up to Season 5 which premieres next Thursday at 10pm on NBC! Get hooked, people! You will not regret it...

Loving: seeing James try out Halloween costumes, Henry changing more each day, James being a big brother to Henry and "helping" us with him, that summer is almost over which means we are getting closer to autumn and closer to Christmas, insulated water bottles, pumpkin spice lattes (yes, I'm listing it again), being home full time and raising studly littles, etc. etc. 

Shout out to Dani over at Sometimes Sweet for inspiring me to do a "currently" post. I'll look back at this and recall the goodness that was all around me and know that all the crazy was not in vain! 

The "This & Thats" of Life...

Sorry I haven't been blogging as often! I have James' 12 month post, his birthday post, and a few others I'd love to get up here! Soon, I hope!

So here's what's been going on this past month! Hold onto your seats...

• MOVING DAY! We've been in our new place for a week and a half and still have some unpacking to do. So excited to get our new couch on Wednesday! 

• Date night! OZ the Great and Powerful was pretty entertaining! :)

• Pregnancy round 2! The past few weeks I've felt extra pregnant. OH! We also know what sex baby #2 is! Another post on this later (promise)

• Lent! Being off social networking is kind of tough but I have to admit I've been checking my FB because of the next point...

• Bridal shower planning! Have I mentioned I'm a matron of honor?! I'm so excited for my dear friend Emily & her fiance Johnny! May 19th can't come fast enough!

• Writing for RARW! The 3 year anniversary of the Fullerton art walk was a blast! Be on the look out for my article! 

• Mommy/Son Disneyland trips! These only last about 2 hours, but it's fun spending time with my favorite little guy at our favorite park.

• Shooting film! Nothing like photographing your babe's 1st "everything" in black and white film. 

Us on Tom Sawyer Island

Welcome, 2013!

Happy new year! Can you believe it's already 2013? Two-Thousand-Thirteen?! Geeze.

Well, I'm not sure if 2013 can outdo 2012, but I'm optimistic it's going to be a great year none the less. Here's a little year in review for you, and I seriously encourage you to do the same! It took me a few weeks to post this, but I'm glad I got a few minutes to sit down and do it!

January: About 34 weeks pregnant and so excited to meet our son. This was the last month we were the 3 amigos (Mitch, Ana + Teddy) before James joined the club!

February: Our precious baby boy, James Arthur was born on 2-13-12 at 2pm in the afternoon. Our lives were changed forever.

March: Getting used to parenthood and loving our son to the fullest. This is also the month that Mitch was asked to be a community pastor at our church, RockHarbor Fullerton.

April: We celebrated Easter, and took our son to his first Easter service at the Pacific Amphitheater! We also took James to LACMA for the first time. My heart was extra happy that day :)

May: Kind of a tough month for me, I had to go back to work, but it was also a happy month because we took James to Disneyland for the first time (so fun) + heard him laugh for the first time (so wonderful). Oh yeah, I also celebrated my 1st Mother's day.

June: Father's day= lunch in the park together as a family, and the beginning of summer!

July: We took our first family vacation! We love San Diego so so much. Can't wait to go back again this Spring/Summer. And this month my sisters stayed with us for a few weeks, which is always nice since they live in Florida.

August: James started to crawl and life got to a whole new level of crazy.

September: James was dedicated by our pastor and friend, Steve Carter. It was such a sweet moment for us as parents.

October: Prayers and dreams were answered as Mitch took on the role of Community Life Pastor at our church! There was a ton of celebrating :)  We also took our 8 month old Ewok door to door for candy. You might laugh, but I read that it can be good for a baby to go out trick-or-treating so they can meet new faces! It was a huge success.

November: Went to Arizona for Thanksgiving, and experienced thankfulness in a whole new way with our little turkey sitting next to us at the dinner table.

December: Baby's 1st Christmas! The day I had been looking forward to since before James was born. There's absolutely nothing like it. NOTHING.  

Autumn or Fall...

Whatever you call it, it's here! 

This year the seasons take on a whole new meaning now that there's a little man in the picture, so naturally, we are planning a trip to Oak Glen to go apple picking, pumpkin patching, + memory making!

My good friend Erin re-pinned this on her special "Is it fall yet?!" Pinterest board, and I HAD to share it...

S.O to tinkerlab.com for the sweet bucket list!

How many will you check off this fall? 

I'm aiming for all of them! (minus the football game).

Summer, Summer, Summertime...

Here's a few summer movies that I can't wait to see! This means warm summer nights at the drive-in, or fun date nights with my bearded hubs. Either way, it's bound to be a GREAT summer. What movies are you looking forward to?


1. MIB 3, currently out (ps-thanks Will Smith + DJ Jazzy Jeff for the title of this post!)


2. Snow White and the Huntsman, currently out


3. Brave, June 22


4. The Dark Knight Rises, July 20

Things that make me go "hmmmm"...

1) Getting new sunglasses! With my prescription put in them! Sigh...I can't wait to wear these bad boys all over town...

2) Becoming a LACMA member again. Did you know I love art? You didn't?! Get outta here, stop reading my blog this instant! Just kidding, come back. 

3) THE GROVE! I can't wait to go back and pretend I have enough money to shop there like all the celebrities...

3) My pup Teddy! Isn't he a riot? He jumped in the basket to cuddle with the toasty clothes, and even as I picked each article of clothing out and folded them, he stayed in there fast asleep! I lub him. 

4) My son! We are so excited to take this lil' guy to Disneyland for the first time. Be on the lookout for a post solely devoted to that trip! It's coming sooooon! 

5) My husband who adores art just as much as I do. Ok, maybe not as MUCH as I do...but pretty close. 

6) Springtime. Perfect weather can be found in California at this special time of year. Not too hot, not too cold, not too windy (I hate you Santa Ana winds)...it's just a splendid time full of sunshine, April showers, birds a-chirpin', and all that lovey dovey crap. 

What are some things that make you go 'hmmm...'?

Lately...

I've really been into these things (in no particular order):

Being creative! I went to an amazing workshop a few weeks ago hosted by painter extraordinaire Sarah Carter,  & photographing master Trever Hoehne. I learnt quite a few things about what it means to take some time to tap into my creativity, which was a beautiful thing. I really did cherish that rainy Saturday and I don't think I will ever forget it...

I created this! And if you know me, you know I do not paint or make creative things outside of the realm of film/photo. Thanks Bloom workshop!

So being creative has stirred a need to photograph! And I must say, my subject these days seems to be a handsome little guy I love to call James. Wish I could do this for a living...maybe one day! 

Reading out loud to my baby boy. I've finally figured out a way to finish Perelandra, and James seems to love it, which makes me one proud momma. 

 Hanging out with one of my dearest friends, Emily. 

PS-We LOVE the Hunger Games! Can't you tell by our big ol' grins!

Dressing this guy up in the cutest clothes ever. Who says boys can't be hip & cute?! 

Being so excited for Easter! It's next week you know. Oh, you didn't know?! Me either until this morning. But last year was so amazing, I can't wait to see what this year will be like. 

1 month...

Can you believe it?! James is 1 month old. Holy smokes, time went by so fast over here! 

Here are some of James' favorites/not so favorites from this past month:

Favorites: 

Sleeping

Eating

Peeing-He tends to smile when he pees sometimes, and I like to pretend he's thinking "hehehe, time for another clean diaper mom."

His binky 

His soft blankets (he has a few)

Onesies with zippers/buttons

Car rides

and last but not least, his SWING! Whoever invented the mechanical swing deserves a Nobel Peace Prize...seriously.

Not so favorites:

Eyedrops-He has a clogged tear duct we are hoping clears up on its own within his 1st year, if not this could mean surgery :(

Tummy time

Bath time

Sleeping in his bassinet-most nights he starts out in his bed, but ends up in bed with Mitch, me, and Teddy. Yup. All 4 of us. No one sleeps around here...yet.

This month he has gone from sleepy newborn to alert newborn. He coos and makes higher pitched shrieks of delight, grunts, and of course my favorite, baby t-rex noises. I love it! He's also really good at picking up his head when he has tummy time, and he even freaked me out a little bit last week when he turned his head to look at me. Seriously you guys, I gasped! 

Can't wait to see what 2 months has in store!

What's Nesting?

Well, let's just say it's a roller coaster of cleaning everything from top to bottom, and doing things you normally would put off for weeks or even months (if you're anything like me), all to prepare your home for the little bundle of joy. Whew! With that said, here's a list of "nesting"tasks I am telling myself I MUST DO as soon as physically, emotionally and accurately as possible...

1. Print out photos from events ranging from 2007-this past Christmas
2. Frame & hang those photos, or put them snuggly into a photo album
3. Finish James' room (A BIG TASK TO FINISH) which includes: Paint James' bookshelf, hang paintings and other "Cowboy/Indian" themed objects, start/finish his shadow box, buy a soft lit lamp, wash his remaining sheets, blankets & clothes
4. Paint the newly purchased raw wood IKEA kitchen table chairs
5. Secure the bookcases to the wall in the living room
6. Make sure the BBQ is put together & on the balcony for all those yummy meals we can't wait to enjoy this summer! 
7. Take Teddy to get groomed one last time before James' gets here
8. Take any extra plates, clothes, linen etc. we aren't using to the Goodwill
9. Purchase a lamp for the living room
10. Hang the mirror in the living room

And I think that might be it, but who knows, the list might grow 2x by tomorrow! 

Here's a sneak peek of James' room. More photos to come soon! (And I mean REAL SOON!) 

A happy day indeed...

30 years ago today, God created an amazing person...MY HUSBAND! I'm so happy to be a part of his life, especially on days like today when we look back at the past year and see how much we have been blessed. Happy birthday Mitchell Thomas, here are 30 things I love about you...

1. Your smile.
2. Your charm.
3. Your single fanged tooth.
4. Your hair-some days it's wavy, other days it's straight!
5. Your eyes-deep and dark brown.
6. That thing you have that calls people to you from across the room, not sure what this is but you got it!
7. Your height-6 feet is something I will NEVER be.
8. Your leather making skills.
9. Your hands. Mine fit perfectly in yours.
10. Your tattoos- each tell a story and I love that.
11. Your love for manly things like knives, handkerchiefs, etc.
12. Your brain! You are seriously one of the smartest people I know.
13. I love the fact you were a yo-yo player at the Van's Warped Tour.
14. I love that you can say "I went to school with Jessica Alba". Even if it was for a week or two.
15. Your love for art.
16. Your hunger for theology.
17. Your weird feet.
18. Your collection of flannels.
19. The excitement that lit up in your eyes when I told you we were pregnant!
20. Your sketches. You really do have a gift!
21. Your jokes.
22. Your beard.
23. I love that you are a natural born leader.
25. Your shoulders, they are broad and muscular and come in handy when people yell at me in San Francisco (that one time).
26. Your love for your family (mom, dad, brothers).
27. Your love for Teddy (our firstborn).
28. Your love for James.
29. Your love for me.
30. Your love for Jesus.

The weeks to come...

are pretty eventful!

First off, this week we will be packing up and hitting the open road for one more HURRAH before James gets here. I won't spoil the surprise as to where it is we are venturing to, but here's a clue.

Next week is already the end of October...what?! I know. We haven't even picked out pumpkins yet! We are planning a yard sale on Saturday the 29th to make room for James & all of his fun stuff, so some things we will be getting rid of include: a kitchen table, table stools, chairs, TV cabinet, clothes, tools, blankets, shoes, books, paintings! LOTS of stuff. So come over! Buy our used goods & enjoy!

The week after that is the first week of November, which means the beginning of BABY CARE CLASSES which we will have every week until Christmas eve! Like I said, pretty eventful!

And tonight we kick off the beginning of all things baby related by registering at Target! Whew. I'm already tired. But you know what? I wouldn't trade lives with anyone. I am so grateful for my family and friends, and most importantly for the Lord's goodness. Seems a little underrated, but seriously-I AM.

As I finish this post James is kicking and I love the fact I feel more pregnant-er (it's a word) by the day!

Hope your weeks to come are just as fun & eventful!

PS- 68 days until CHRISTMAS y'all! But first, Teddy is ready for Halloween...

I'm Still Here...

Recap of my life these past few weeks:

• The gallery was a huge success! Nothing like spending time with family & friends. Shocked I sold prints, but thankful for those of you that bought one!

• GRADUATION!!! (heel click for all my fellow art historians... all 8 of you!)

• Mini Vacation in San Diego with my boys!

As the dust begins to settle, I am currently:

• Reading Bossypants (Tina makes my heart flutter with laughter)

• Being intentional with my time- coffee dates/breakfast dates (Want to meet up? I'm free!)

• Serving coffee for the masses.

• Looking for a full time job that does not pertain to serving coffee for the masses.

• Preparing my mind for GRE studying in July. 

How is your summer going? 

These Days...

I have been getting ready to graduate, which means: papers, presentations, final exams, reading art books.

I have also been ordering: graduation announcements, photos, a cap & gown.

I have also been planning: a graduation party at a gallery where my photos will be on display for friends & family to pop in & say hello.

On top of all this, I am happy to say, I have my sanity.

Here's to the next 25 days of planning & anticipation! Hip hip!

Top 5...

Lately, I've been itching to watch my top 5 feel-good, fashion-envying, romantic-loving movies...

1. Pride & Prejudice

2.Mona Lisa Smile

3.You've Got Mail

4.Ever After

5.Return to Me

 Have you seen these? You really should. Maybe it's time for a movie marathon?

Spring...

is here! Such a wonderful time of year...a time of rebirth, renewal & refreshment!

I love...

birds chirping in the treetops, flowers in bloom (especially the ones in my flower pots from last year), the smell of honeysuckles, the smell of freshly cut grass, Teddy running to the water hose after a warm walk, hikes with my boys, fresh flowers on a table, squirrels poking their heads out from tree trunks making sure Teddy doesn't see them, taking a nap with the front door open & feeling a light breeze while my eyes are closed (really love this), still being able to wear a light coat in the evening,  and finally...the days are longer & brighter which means we're closer to summer, which means...

I'll save that last part for summer.

Family & road trips are...

the BEST.

Other things that are the best...

a Starbucks breakfast right before a road trip, traveling through the desert on a rainy day (the smell of wet earth is glorious), singing along to Feist with my husband, having dinner with my aunt & uncle, walking 2 pups named Teddy & June, waking up in the bedroom where I played dolls as a young girl, having breakfast with my dad and step mom, kisses from my nephew, going to the mall and seeing the Superstition Mountains in the background (truly beautiful), shopping with my husband, Filiberto's taquitos, photographing my brothers family, hearing my niece say "Tia Ana & Uncle Mitch", hugs from my youngest brother, seeing my nana and tata twice in one week, being thankful and blessed for all of the above.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...

Ok, so I'm a few months ahead of myself with this post, I know...the heat proves this. But it's never too early to let you all know what I'd love this holiday season, right? Right. So...

A typewriter ring from Qacreate, on Etsy...

Plum wool Tom's, perfect to keep your toesies warm during those cold winter nights...

Fugifilm Instax Film, so I can keep taking fun photos like this...

"Daisy" by Marc Jacobs, because it smells so good if I wasn't married I'd date myself...

& how cute is this crossbody purse by Fossil...

Last, but most definitely not least, I'd love to fall asleep with "The Art & Flair of Mary Blair" in my arms everynight...

list idea stolen from 'You Are My Fave'