Solace...

Beach nights make me happy...

Where oh where have I been...

I have been creaping around my computer...sitting down, opening blogger and trying to communicate what has been going on for 2-weeks now.

I still can not do it, probably still processing it all in my own head...

Bottom line is that my girl was really sick, we have been out of commission but we are all home now. I will write more soon...promise!

PA Road trip...

Lilly & I took a road trip a few weeks ago to see her Noni & Pop-pop in Pennsylvania a few weeks ago. We had so much fun relaxing, playing, shopping and seeing the beautiful Amish country. Here are a few shots. :))

Look at that ponytail! ;)

I was driving and taking this shot at the same time...sorry for the power lines...but it was nice to finally see a wide open space after leaving Jersey...ahhh

Pop-pop and Lilly (they match)

The newest little lady...

I would like to introduce you all to my latest beautiful niece Haily Baker!

Baker Family, We love you and cant wait to meet this little lady!

oxox, Jillian, Ryan & Lilly

Happy Lady!

Our poor little girl is teething and sick these days, but she is pulling through it with some happy faces here and there!

The Aquarium!

Lilly LOVES animals and fish...so we had a blast taking her to the Aquarium!

4th of July shot!

Love these baby jeans!

Hello everyone! This is the happiest shot I could get of my miserable teether...she is working on 4-front teeth. A peach these days I tell ya...a peach...

I am in love with these Huggies Jean diapers! They are adorable & perfect for these really hot days with a cute tee. :))

Things that make me feel "girlie"...

Yes, I went there! I went there b/c lately I am feeling like a tired, frumpy, spit up smelling housewife. ICK!

During my AM quite time...(aka a shower) I was thinking what are my favorite things to wear? What are the things that make me feel like a woman, girlie? Here are a few...this may just have to be a series as I see this being an ongoing struggle!

My favorite body mist by Victoria's Secret...

My turquoise hoops...now, we will see how long these last today. Lilly is in the midst of "No grabbing Mommy's jewelry" training.

My favorite lip gloss by Lancome - it tastes yummy too ;)

Lastly, my failsafe, hide just enough maxi dress...perfect...

Morning walks...

The weather has been ubber warm and muggy this week. That cant keep Lilly G and I cooped up in the ac though...our walk took us over the Highlands bridge the other day. Very pretty.

The latest...living room redo

I cant wait for the downstairs to come together so that I can move on up! Upstairs that is. :))

P.S. As you may notice I had to "reassign" our tall bookcase thanks to our crawler...It is now a low-rider shelf/ bench fashioned with unbreakable pillows.

The Dining Room...redo

This room is also a work in progress; as is the whole house! The almost finished project.

The Kitchen - New paint finally!!!

Finally, here is the kitchen! It is still a work in progress (the chalkboard paint and some pics) but here is the new color. :) LOVE!

My Home Goods sign find...my reminder to simplify and quit my frazzle dazzle! ;)

Happy Fathers Day!!

Lilly and I wishing all of the men and women who have made us who we are this Fathers Day!!! Thanks to my amazing mother-in-law Sharon who raised by the grace of God the most amazing man, husband and father to my Lilly Grace solo. You are an inspiration!
Thank you Dad, for all of your love, support and friendship over the years. I love and miss you more than you will ever, ever know...oxox

I love this shot! Where Ryan's fatherhood started. He is in love with his new baby girl in this shot... (August 2009) Thank you for being an amazing father to my girl. I love you!!

Happiness...

I am beyond excited, that after a year I am finally motivated to paint & in my exploration of ideas I have found MAGNETIC CHALKBOARD PAINT!!! I DIE!!!

Can not wait to get my paint on once the hubby leaves for work tomorrow... ;) Stay tuned for pictures...

Lilly will have so much fun. That said, the fun will begin with me a total list-o-holic going nuts on the wall!

Oh yes! Now, what color? I am starting with the kitchen and may move to every single room in the home.

Bucket and the boyfriends...

Funny face girl in her toy bucket...

Lilly & Jack

Geoffrey and Lilly

Beach Day...

Lilly is still not a fan of sand...fine by me since this keeps her contained on the beach blanket!

My favorite things...

To keep me going on my blogging...I will be posting a few of my favorite things here and there...

Today...my peace pillow...it makes me happy...(lol, I am a cheeser)

Is the grass always greener...?

So last night Ryan and I were catching up while dinner cooked and among this weeks topic the theme (as he pointed out) did seem to be "the grass always seems greener".

Is it really? If so why do we do this to ourselves over and over again!!?? Why do we in the midst of life think "I will be happy when this or that happens, or when I have this or that...etc."

With these thoughts still on my heart this morning I opened up my daily devotional. Here is what it read:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV).

Why do we constantly attempt to make our own happiness...we cannot make ourselves happy people. We must leave that up to the God that created us. Lean on Him, follow his lead, His guidance and you will find happiness. I promise.

Now, it is time for me to take what I wrote and remember it today...walk in it today...

Good morning everyone :)

As promised I am working on getting back to the blog. :)

It is Saturday morning and I am exhausted as usual. Drinking coffee, chasing my crawler & planning our afternoon BBQ and beach day.

Mom & Dad, I wanted you to see the latest pics of the flower baskets & front yard! Thank you again for all of your help!

Added some flags for Memorial Day weekend & now heck, the 4th of July!