12 in 12: Book #3

Book #3

Uncharted Territori by Tori Spelling

For book #3 I decided to read this book. I'd already read book one and book two of hers so it was only natural that I'd want to read book number three. 

Here's the deal I know not everyone is a fan of Tori Spelling, you probably have your fair share of opinions about her, etc....etc.... 

But for the sake of this book review let's just pretend were all on some level playing field here and take this for what it's worth. 

Book one was about her explaining, dispelling rumors and telling the real truth about her lift according to her. Book two, was about her life as a Mommy and wife. 

This book was about her life where it is now. Wife, mother, business owner, friend, and everything else that she is that you want to add to the list. 

After reading all three of her books I am used to her writing style which is quite good, she's very funny and has a way with story telling and words. I actually really enjoy reading her books. 

The basic theme about this book that I got was all about juggling, balance and finding that perfect fit (there isn't one in my opinion) between mothering, being a wife and everything else that you want to be or are supposed to be in your life. She's dealing with in this book. 

I don't know if you like her, or if she annoys you or if you are her #1 fan but what I do know is that she is a Mom, a wife and a woman trying to raise her kids, find balance, a way to make it work and fit together, she struggles with it and openly admits she's not perfect. 

And that's something can relate to. It doesn't matter my opinions. 

People have enough opinions and judgements these days. 

Women don't need that. 

Moms don't need that. 

People don't need that. 

They need love, understanding and most of all Jesus. 

It made me relate to her. It made me want to be her friend. 

And that to me, is a book I like. 

**** [my rating]

Watch Me Grow: 12 Months

My baby girl is twelve months old already!! Just one week ago we celebrated, she had not 1 birthday party but 3, she's so special to us.

Yesterday, we had her twelve month well baby check up. We haven't seen her doctor since her nine month appointment, I don't usually like doctors or going but this time I was excited to go and have her see how Ava has developed. All she learned since she last saw her, and was wishing and hoping her weight would be where it needed to be. She's been eating more and more, I guessed she was right around 20 pounds. 

This time at the doctors office Ava was all over the place, wanting to get down and walk. It was a little tricky filling out new paperwork with her crawling around. 

Height: 27 1/2 inches 10% {she's so small and little, but her parents are small so we'll give her a break}

Weight: 20 pounds 50%

She's right where I thought she'd be. Her doctor says that she's healthy and where she needs to be. So that makes me so very happy. 

The doctor told us she'd like to see Ava weaned from the bottle and paci by 15 months, when she sees her next. We're treading into uncharted territory here, but I'm confident that she'll do well. We've already had two days of no bottle and just drinking milk from a sippy cup. She's doing well with it. 

Here's some things that are happening with Ava this month:

She loves cheese, yogurt, turkey deli meat, puffs, strawberries, and mash potatoes. 

She's wearing size 3 diapers. Size 2 shoes and twelve month clothing some 18 month clothing too. 

She's walking now! It's so crazy, like she just woke up one day and decided it was time. She's still a little wobbly but getting the hang of it more and more everyday. It's so cute. 

She's really into her toys these days, playing a lot more with them. It's so fun to watch her become increasingly more aware of herself and what she's going. She's into throwing things on the floor and having us pick them up. It's a really fun game. 

She throws food over her high chair for Bentley to pick up. And she feeds him her puffs. It's kinda cute the relationship they have. I can't wait till she can run and chase after him. 

She is getting more vocal too. The other day she held her play phone up to her hear and started jibber jabbering. So cute. 

She amazes me daily. The way she smiles, how she giggles. It melts my heart. 

Milestones: Ava is Walking

This week is going by fast! It's already Wednesday, today we had Ava's 12 month doctors appointment. She did so well, and I am happy that she's growing and healthy. Nothing more we could ask for! I'll post an update on her this weekend, but for now we have to talk about the fact she. is. walking!!!

Yup! We have a walker now. 

She's so little, and kinda wobbly at times but she's getting the hang of it and I finally caught her on video. 

She's doing so well, it's so crazy! Like one day she just woke up and decided to walk. I'm so amazing at the learning and developing process. It's so exciting to watch her grow and change. 

Thanks to everyone for the sweet comments on Ava's 1st Birthday party!  

{Ava's 1st Birthday} The Party

Yesterday we had Ava's first birthday party here at our home pool side. We couldn't have asked for a better day, and for better family and friends to share it with. We celebrated with lunch, cake and gifts. Our baby girl has been taking steps all this week, she hasn't quite taken off but it was so cute to see her in her little birthday tutu taking small steps. She devoured her smash cake, and eventually went into a sugar induced nap.

The whole day was absolutely perfect. I still can't believe she's one, it's like over night she grew up and is now big. We are so blessed by her and love her so much.

Without further adieu here's the pictures from her party. It all started with this invitation I won from Jess at Party Box Design. 

{click to enlarge}

{cake bunting flags printed off from the TomKat Studio and tied to lolly pops sticks}

{monthly pictures all hung on a ribbon}

{cupcake sugar cookie favors made with my Great Grandma's recipe}

{The dessert table. The Happy Birthday banner made in Publisher and printed off and strung with ribbon}

{simple coloring pages made with images found online and printed off on white paper. Buckets of crayons from Target}

{Our Birthday Girl}

{Our Happy Little Family}

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated with us. Orion and feel very lucky to have friends and family who love our girl just as much as we do. To my Mom & Sister in Law I couldn't have pulled it off without your help! Thank you. 

Here are some of the fabulous vendors I used to help me pull off this adorable party for Ava, party planning is a lot of fun and I love searching and finding awesome things to make it special. 

TomKat Studio: favor tags, dessert table labels, cake bunting flags, tons of inspiration

Party Box Design: the invitations & inspiration

Little Monster Hugs: Cupcake liners & cupcake toppers

Giggles & Grins: Ava's Onesie

Zulily: Ava's tutu

Ava's Closet: Ava's headband

The coloring pages, birthday banner, all food & desserts, party favor cookies, monthly photo banner, punch, pom-poms and decor were all made myself with the help of my Mom & SIL. 

My {Style} Icon:: REESE

Recently, I read on Jen's blog a post about her style icon. I always enjoy taking a peek into people's lives via their blogs and what they share. It's always fun to see what inspires people in design, cooking, fashion, etc. So, it was really fun reading this post and seeing who inspires her and what type of fashion she loves and identifies with.

It inspired me to think about my own style inspiration. Who inspires me? When it comes to fashion I feel like I've evolved over time, I really love a lot of different things depending on my mood. I'm a girl who loves a good pair of heels and a dress to go with. I love casual days with jeans and a comfy shirt. And, I love my lounge pants and tried and true sweat shirts. Mostly, I love pieces that are classic and go with a lot of things that's what I buy the most. I love accessories and a good hand bag. I love things that are put together but look effortless.

My style icon; Reese Witherspoon.

She's a Mom, she's fashionable, she always looks classic and put together without trying to hard. I love her in dresses and heels but she always looks beautiful in even shorts and a t-shirt. Now, I know that she probably has a stylist for certain events that she attends, but my favorite pictures of her are in her everyday life where she's put "herself" together and picked out her own daily wardrobe. I love her hair too, it's one of my fave inspirations. Her make-up to always looks fresh, not to heavy or to much.

Take a look, here are some of my faves:

(out on the town, but effortless)


(picking the kids up from school)


(casual day with the kiddos)


(totally cute while accepting an award)


(love this, and her daughter is totally a mini me, so cute!)


(so told you, mini me)


(I wish I looked this cute while shopping.)


(one of my inspirations for cutting bangs, and now wanting blond hair again!)

So, I ask you....who is your style icon? What inspires you in fashion? Do you like to take risks? Or are you more classic?

Share.... I'd love to hear your thoughts!?!

images via: celebritybabyscoop.com

Happy {First} Birthday Ava

My Dearest Ava,

Today is your first birthday! Happy Birthday my sweet girl! This time last year, we were just meeting you for the very first time. We already loved you and got to know you, but your birth day is one of the happiest days in our lives.

You made us a complete family.

(the day before you were born. little did we know we'd meet you the very next day.)

I remember your birthday like it was yesterday. I remember the moment they placed you in my arms. I cried tears of joy, I instantly loved you and felt so blessed to be your Mama. Overwhelmed with emotion as I watched your Daddy snuggle you for the first time, and kiss his girl and hold you tightly. As I watched him become your Daddy. The bond I felt the first time you nursed and looked up at me with those deep brown eyes.

There are so many moments from this past year that I will treasure in my heart forever, moments that make me laugh and my heart smile. Moments that are just so special between us as a family. Moments that bond us forever, and make me love you more and more each day.

You are my baby girl. But you have also been my teacher this year. One day, I hope to teach you great things but right now you're teaching me. About myself. About the Love of the Father. You haven't done anything to make me love you, but I do. I love you, I am proud of you. I am in awe of you. I am blessed because of you.

This past year has been a blessing. You have blessed our lives so much. You bring JOY to our home. Your smile and laugh are infectious. You make everything more interesting and exciting. Your Daddy loves you so much, I have watched how you have changed him.

I pray, that you come to know the Lord and love him as much as Daddy and I do. I pray that we can teach you what is most important in life. I pray that you grow to be a strong, and confident woman. Daddy and I will be there for you every step of this journey.

There aren't enough words to tell you just how much I love you. And sometimes I feel overwhelmed by it all. But there are so many wonderful things that I love about you. Things that aren't big at all but small and the moments are often.

This is just the beginning, there are so many more moments to come. So many more milestones that we get to share with you. Today we celebrate you, we are joyful and happy that you are in our lives. We praise God for you and the miracle that you are. I pray, you always know just how loved you are. That you feel loved no matter what.

Today is your birthday baby girl. Your Daddy and I have been praying and thinking about a verse that we want to pray over your life, one that will remind you of your purpose and just how much God loves you.

"For you created me my inmost being' you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were writen in your book before they came to be." Psalm 139:13-16

We know the Lord has special things for you ahead. We feel honored and blessed that he chose us to be your parents and help guide you through the life. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, you are his. We love you Buggy so very much! You have made this life so much fun. Happy, happy Birthday to our sweet girl. We can't wait to celebrate with you and celebrate your life and your first year.

Love always,
Mommy & Daddy

(scheduling a post when taking a blogging break is so awesome, you should try it!)

this week.......

There's a mix of emotions swirling around in my mind about this week. This is the week that I didn't think would come so fast, but here we are.

This is the week my daughter turns one.

Yup. It's here.

I'm am excited, but I am also a little sad. It's a weird bag of emotions I've got here going on. But, I'll just be honest and say that Monday has already been hard on me.

Wednesday, they are coming to visit:

I am excited to have them here to share in our joy, and to celebrate with us.

Thursday, she turns one.

Saturday we're having a celebration! I've already been having anxiety and scary dreams about something going wrong. Everything is going to fine, but doesn't anyone else have crazy dreams when planning events? Anyway, needless to say there's a lot going on. There's a lot on my mind.

I'm going to take a little break this week from blogging, probably from society as a whole (wink, wink) and just enjoy this week with my family, my husband and my daughter. I'll be back later next week to share all about her birthday, our family visit and what's new with us Worleys!

Have a blessed week!

Blog Roll Monday: Our Daily Obsessions

Happy Monday Everyone!! Are you tired today? I am. It was a crazy good weekend, but so tiring now on Monday morning. One thing that brightens up this dreary, cloudy Arizona morning is talking about one of my favorite things and one of my favorite blogs!

That's right folks....It's Blog Roll Monday time!



Today's blog is one of my faves, and I'm pretty sure if we lived in the same state we'd be real life friends instead of just blogging friends! Meet Amy everyone! She's a mama of two adorable girls, wife, blogger and all around DIY & crafty diva! At least in my humble opinion!

She's the blogger and mastermind behind Our Daily Obsessions; a blog about everything she loves in this life! Her blog has a little bit of everything from projects, crafts, parties and writing about her Hubby and little girls! She has an adorable daughter named Ava (obviously the best name around!) and another adorable newborn named Reese! Don't you just love that Reese & Ava! So cute!

I first stumbled upon her blog about a year ago, I quickly fell in love with her classic and fresh style. Coveted her hard wood floors, and drooled over her family room style. She has some great sewing ideas like this one, and has a knack for refashioning items into useful little girls clothing. Check out more of great ideas on her blog, and give her some love today! Stop by and tell her "Hello." Tell her I sent you, you'll be so happy you did. Oh, and while you're there check out her adorable Baking Party she threw for her little girl! It's such an adorable party! I love all her attention to details!

photo credit: our daily obsessions blog



Free Tip of the Week: Organizing Printables

Hi Everyone! I'm so glad it's Thursday, you know why? Cause Thursdays are my Fridays! My weekend starts tonight, and it means that I get to be home with my baby girl for the next four days! So I love Thursdays here at the Worley House. Today, I wanted to share with you some free stuff, you all love free stuff don't you?



One of my new fave blog discoveries has been IHeart Organizing, I've talked about Jen before and her wonderful blog. She's got some great organizing tips & tricks and she's generous enough to share them with you and me! I've been loving her monthly organzing challenges and this month she's sharing her ideas for a Home Organization Binder! I've seen a lot of these binders at various stores, but Jen offers you a way you can make it on your own, and even gives you a ton of free printables along the way to fill your binder with.

Today on her blog, she's got a free calendar and more organizing sheets you can add to your blog! Jump on over to her blog, print them off and get started. Oh, and probably while you're there you'll get to looking, feel inspired and probably get lost in all her organizing goodness! Go, ahead...take a look you know you want to! You feel all organized just for looking!

*****

And for more free stuff, here's a few giveaways you might wanna check out this week. Because who doesn't love more free things?!!! Take Heart is having a giveaway day today, click here to enter. Eighteen25 is offering a whole week of giveaways in honor of their blog birthday, click here to enter. Lyndsie is offering a bunch of free stuff on her giveaway blog here this week, click here to enter. I almost don't even wanna tell you about them because I want to win them myself, but I'm feeling generous today, and you just may get lucky on this St. Patty's day and win too!

Have a great week!!

{Tasty Tuesday} Glazed Salmon

We've been eating a lot of fish in our home these days mostly salmon and talapia. I've been finding a few great recipes that I wanted to share with you. This one has become one of my faves, I've made it about 4 times now. It's always a pleaser, and tastes really good. I thought I'd share it with you. This recipe is from Real Simple magazine, I clipped it out along time ago and saved it in my recipe binder that I keep in my kitchen.



{image via realsimple.com}

Here's the recipe straight from the mag, (my additions in red) I've made this just for Orion and I with 2 salmon fillets, and cut the broccoli in half but used all the other same measurements.

Serves 4

Hands-On Time: 20m
Total Time: 30m

Ingredients

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 cup long-grain white rice (I've always made this w/instant white rice, and it's just as good)

1 head broccoli, florets only, chopped (about 2 cups)

4 pieces skinless salmon fillet (1 1/4 pounds total)

1 large red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges

1 tablespoon olive oil

kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Heat broiler. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and soy sauce. Set aside.

2. Cook the rice according to the package directions, stirring in the broccoli during the last 3 minutes.

3. Let the rice and broccoli stand off the heat until the broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

4. Meanwhile, place the salmon and onion on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

5. Broil until the salmon is opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes, spooning half the soy sauce glaze over the fish during the last 2 minutes of cooking. (I would watch this closely, because the glaze tends to cook really fast and sometimes can burn to the pan, I usually cook it only 8 min, and check to see if it's done.)

6. Serve the salmon and onion with the rice and the remaining glaze.

YUM! Delish!! If I wasn't out of salmon right now I'm sure we'd be having this again for dinner!

Blog Roll Monday: Homemade by Jill

Happy Monday Lovlies! Did you all have a good weekend? We sure did. Soon as my Husband was diagnosed with strep throat (yes, strep!) on Thursday we got him on meds and he was feeling better by Saturday, which was good for us so we could enjoy the rest of our weekend and deep clean our home from all the germs!

It's another Monday, and time for me to tell you about one of the blogs on my reading list. I found two new blogs I'm in love with this past week, can't wait to share those soon.



Everyone meet Jill from Homemade by Jill! Truly everything on her blog is homemade with love. My friend, who doesn't blog but really should (ahem, Jessie I'm talking to you) told me about this blog. Because she knows me well, and knew I would love it. And, she's right I do!



This great little blog is filled with all sorts of crafts, sewing ideas and more! Mommy to two adorable kiddos a boy and a girl her blog is filled with lots of creative ideas for the family and home. If you love to sew, this is a dream blog as well. She's got lots and lots of tutorials on how to make a lot of the projects she shares on the blog. One of my faves is her Glitter Wreath, the baby bib, and the easy burp cloths that would make awesome shower gifts! She's even got some cool print ables that she gives you for free, yes free! She's pretty awesome like that!

Jump on over to her blog, and get your creative juices flowing! You'll be happy I sent you!

On a side note, tonight I will be watching The Bachelor anxiously awaiting the final choice, glued to the t.v. and all the drama! Be sure to check out what Mrs. B has to say the day after the final rose is given! Go here, to read her blog!

Happy Monday Everyone!!

******

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Take 10% off all orders of $65+ at momAgenda! Code: MOM10OFF65 Offer Expires 3.31

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A Mash Up of Events

I feel like we've been going non stop since we got back from our trip in Iowa. We have. I just finished getting that trips photos off my camera so they are patiently waiting in my iphoto album just waiting for me to take a look at them edit, and organize them. To post for friends and family to see. 

Right after we got back Orion headed into his last week of work at the bank. We attended a birthday party for a sweet little girl that following weekend. 

Orion started his new job the following week, and it's been non stop crazy since. So I'm finally getting around to posting and talking and sharing about what we've been up to. 

First up, a sweet girl's first birthday party! Meet Alivya, she's Ava's "friend." Her Mommy and I became friends first. Yes we met through our blogs, yes they live here in Arizona (lucky me) and yes it's possible to find sweet and loving people and befriend them via the Internet. Go read her Mommy's blog she's awesome, you'll fall in love with her blog. 

Ok, back to the girl............

Sweet Cherry on Top 1st Birthday themed party. 

Aren't those desserts amazing!! Yes, Destiny made them all herself and I will tell you they taste as good as they look! 

My sweet family at the party; 

It was so fun to spend the day celebrating with friends for such a special occasion! Happy Birthday Alivya!

Last weekend my friend Meliessa invited me to paint pottery with her. Orion and I did this for our anniversary last summer so I was super excited to go and do it again. I feel like it's so relaxing sitting there creating something and spending the time with a friend. So, thank you Me' for inviting me! I can't wait to get my awesome pink & black zebra printed mug in a few days! 

So that's what I've been up to these last few weeks. I'll get our Iowa pictures up soon, they are just to fun not to share!