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Better Late than Never…..Miss September

September 12, 2011 by designnarrative

Proud to introduce Miss September!  She’s a pumpkin spice cupcake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate and caramel sauce, mini chocolate chips, and a dash of sea salt.

  Reminds me of my favorite red-head with a September birthday:  my big sister Kristen.  She’s presented at Oxford, has a PhD, and a has quite the panache for high heels.  She also makes the best eggplant parmesan ever bar none.  Kristen literally traveled across the world to help me when I was sick in a strange land.  I love her.  Kristen, you are a class act-I want to be more like you when I grow up.  Here’s to you the original Miss September!

Posted in Foodie Goodness | Tagged | 3 Comments »

Thankful kinda Feeling

September 5, 2011 by designnarrative

As I was cleaning up supper tonight, it hit me.  Waves of gratitude over rainbow dirty dishes.  We had just finished a meal that a thoughtful friend had delivered.  My family was safe, well feed, and home for the night.

Ava and Graham were playing together and lost in fairy, castle, Lego world.  No fighting was miraculous indeed.

As I glanced at flowers from yet another kind, precious friend.  My heart felt so full of thanks.  Often I am bitter, cynical, weary although God has given me so much.  There is always grace all around me.  I wanted to document my gratefulness and remember the goodness of this day, this moment.  Will you join me in this simple praise of thanks?  God’s mercies abound, if only I will notice.

Posted in Ect. | 2 Comments »

Artsy-Smartsy

August 29, 2011 by designnarrative

One of the display pieces from the shop has been repurposed for our resident artists.

I want the kids to know that art and seeking/making beauty isn’t a every now and then thing.  Art without mess, something I haven’t mastered.

 It’s been a hard week.  Our son is having some health issues.  The shop lease is up and I’m not renewing it.  Work is in full swing with many demands.  I have been focusing on the gray.  I want to see the beauty of God in this real, gritty sometimes crazy life of mine.  I need new eyes and a renewed heart.  His handy work is all around me.  Maybe this new art caddy is more for me than the kids.

Posted in diy, Ect. | Tagged | 2 Comments »

Turquoise, Red, and Lime, oh my!

August 28, 2011 by designnarrative

I was asked to do a tablescape for a women’s luncheon at church.

The red, turquoise, and lime make me smile.  Love them together.

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First Grade Feeling

August 20, 2011 by designnarrative

This zaney girl started first grade this week.

 There were plenty of butterflies the first day.  A reported that first grade is “cool-a-rific” and “adorably cute”.  Amen to that.

It’s been a busy week full of meetings, parents night, and birthday parties.

Overjoyed to sleep in this morning.  It’s amazing that after nearly 7 years of parenting, this is now an option- I’m loving it!  We went to Meet the Fleet.  One sweet boy was in heaven!  Way to go town of Farragut.

G started a new preschool class this week.  His teacher reports that the class is lively and strong-willed.

Welcome to my world I wanted to say.  Life is lunch boxes, art projects, backpacks, and permission slips right now-and it’s good.

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Simple Simon

August 13, 2011 by designnarrative

After two weeks back at work, I’m exhausted!  I was too tired to cook and going out with the kids seemed like way too much effort.  Olives, apples, grapes, tomato, and basil with rustic bread, havarti, manchego, and cheddar.  So very simple and so very good.

I’m working to simplify several areas of life right now.  I’ve decided to focus on the consulting and staging aspect of Design Narrative and discontinue the retail shop for now.  It was a fun ride but a retail platform isn’t the best fit for my life.

 I wonder why less really is more in so many ways.  I’m attempting to be more mindful about my commitments and expectations (not easy for a classic type A, just give me the outline, multi-tasker).  After reading Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts, I realize how much I need to grow in being really present and aware of the grace of now.  Not when the goal is in hand, house finished, five years down the road, or five pounds lighter but now in this day.  Simon says: Simple. Ah that wise Simon.

Posted in Ect., Foodie Goodness | Tagged | 1 Comment »

Tomato Paloza

August 7, 2011 by designnarrative

We’ve had a great plethora of organic tomato goodness this summer.  This recipe is one of my favorite ways to use tommy toes.

Slice, add garlic cloves, sea salt, and olive oil

Roast at 350 for about 30-40 minutes until caramelized

Chop fresh basil

Add cream cheese and parmesan to hot pasta

Beyond divine!

Especially good if you have this sou chef!

Posted in Foodie Goodness | Tagged | 2 Comments »

My Graham

August 3, 2011 by designnarrative

Four years ago today at 7:43 am, Graham Joseph was born.  Our world has never been the same.

Graham you are:

joy

an old soul with dry wit

my all time favorite super hero

my snuggle buggle

Fearless dinosaur wrangler

 mischievous

bright and creative

a gift from God

Adored.

Last night you told me you wanted to be a working man/ pirate/ hero/ robot/ rocket guy/ jet guy/ motorcycle rider/ mountain climber guy/ desert check the cactus guy  when you grow up.  I told you, you’d be wonderful at all those things and more.   I am honored to be your mama and love you more than you’ll ever know.

 Here’s to you my sweet, sweet boy!

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Miss August- Spidertastic

July 29, 2011 by designnarrative

In keeping with the cupcake of the month, I’m proud to introduce, Miss August!  She’s a classic golden yellow butter cake with homemade chocolate butter cream.

Miss August is adorned with blue sprinkles and spiderman because that makes my blue-eyed boy ever so happy.

Resident artist A whipped up this card for our birthday boy!  We’re entering into a week-long celebration of our youngest super hero.

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Summer Celebration

July 28, 2011 by designnarrative

I’m trying to soak up the last bit of summer.  My full time job gears up again on Monday.  I’m trying to combat the knot in stomach about not knowing my school assignments (never know until the first day of contract) with prayer.  I know August will bring changes for our family as we enter into a new season.  So glad God’s grace is already there and trying to keep that in mind.

This week we took A to her swim team banquet.  Village Green had an undefeated season and won both the Smokey Mountain and City Meets!  Go Gators!

A’s trophy is for participation.  She had a great season but was definitely a rookie.  It’s olympic gold to her.  Kind of makes those hours by the pool worth while.

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