Rewards.

2013 was a year of change for us. Big change. The biggest? We left our lives in Chicago for a place we had never visited.  Kevin received a job offer and within two weeks we were packed and on our way to North Carolina. It sounds crazy and may seem really scary to some people (especially with a small child), however, moving to a place you've never been is really quite an adventure. When Kevin and I first started dating (waaaaay, way back in 2007) we both quit our jobs in Indianapolis and moved to Chicago. Looking back on that experience, I should have been terrified. I didn't have a job, Kevin didn't have a job, we didn't really know anyone, and we relocated to a place that was considerably more expensive than Indy. BUT, to me it was an adventure and you know what they say, "If you want big rewards, take big risks." True dat...Chicago turned out to be a big reward in every aspect of our lives. So when we had the opportunity to change our lives and take another big risk in 2013, there was no hesitation. And now, here we are, a day away from 2014 and life is so good. Kevin loves his job, we have made so many new friends, the weather is like a million degrees warmer, and we are building a home for our little family (more on that later!). 2013 was good to us and I can't wait for all the big rewards of 2014. Cheers!

My Prudent Advice.

I can't remember how I found this beautiful keepsake journal, but I'm so glad I did. My Prudent Advice is the most darling journal for mothers to record advice/wisdom/thoughts/stories for their daughters. I bought a copy when Grier was only a few months old. I love the idea that I can write in this journal throughout different stages of her life and one day, when she is old enough,  she will have years of handwritten memories. Such a sweet, sweet idea and what a wonderful gift for her to have for the rest of her life.

Front cover.

"I hope to paint you a picture of what our life
together is like now; perhaps one day it will help
you figure out where you're going."

"Being intelligent, beautiful, wealthy, talented, witty, or
powerful is meaningless if you are not also kind."

Merry Christmas.

Love,
Grier Caroline

Salt Dough Handprint.

Salt dough handprints are so easy and such a fun keepsake. I made one last year with Grier and it is such a sweet memory to see her one year old little baby handprint hanging on my tree. 

2012.

Now that she's a big girl and into doing everything I'm doing (especially when it comes to things in the kitchen), we spent a rainy morning making salt dough handprint ornaments. There are only three ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand (see what I did there?!), salt, flour, and water. Since I will be adding my ornament to my tree, I picked up some festive ribbon and glitter paint.

Supplies: Salt, Flour, ribbon to hang, and paint.

Mix 1 cup of flour with 1/2 a cup of salt and then add half a cup of water. I mixed the ingredients together in a stand mixer with a dough hook for about five minutes so I didn't have to knead it by hand. Once the dough formed a ball, I rolled it out on a floured surface and cut my circles.

Grier was fascinated with the mixer. And yes, we made these in our PJs.

I used a large round glass to make my circles.

Grier loved standing on a stool and pressing her hand in the dough the first two times. Then she was completely over it and I may have had to bribe her with a dum dum lollipop to finish the rest of the ornaments. This recipe yielded about eight circles for Grier's handprint. You could always double or triple if you want to make larger circles or more ornaments.

I poked a hole with a straw for the ribbon before baking.

Bake in a 200 degree oven for about two hours and once the ornaments cool, decorate and hang on the tree. Like I said earlier, so so so easy.

Red for 2013.

Name and year on back.

GCB.

Happy Second Birthday, Grier Caroline Brauner!

Two years ago today you made your grand entrance at 36 weeks and surprised us all! After a very long seven days in the NICU we took you home and life has never been the same. You make me laugh every day and I have no idea what I did before you. You are so loved by so many people, sweet girl, and you make everything seem brighter. Oh, and also, please just stay this little and perfect and kind forever. Okay?? XO.

GCB.