Downtown Staunton

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 This past Saturday, some girlfriends and I ventured to downtown Staunton, 

for a morning of thrifting, antiquing, and lunch!

 
 

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Remember my post on Frontier's Antiques last year?  

My dear friend Amy was who first 'introduced' me.  It's now 'a must' anytime we're in the area!

Here is a peek at one of my finds from Frontier's, old medicine bottles.

I gave them a quick facelift by spray painting them white, for my spring mantle.

Other favorite stops included lunch at Coffee On the Corner, and shopping at The Valley Mission Thrift Store!

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I was telling the girls, this year I want to make more of an effort to locally travel and explore.

We have many 'treasures' that I haven't taken the time to find or visit!

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If you are a Virginian, what are some of your favorite spots and "musts"?

Happy Wednesday!

Spring BowTie Giveaway

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Th
This one is for you photographers!
 
I know you're busy gearing up for Spring + Easter portraits... brainstorming, gathering props, booking sessions, and waiting for the first hint of warmer weather! 
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In honor of the approaching season, I'm excited to offer two winners, an ABD babyboy bow-tie! [newborn to toddler size]
....

Sassy Root Studio

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Several of you, I know and follow your work, but surely I am not aware of some, and would love to!

For entry, you must be a blog follower. Also, leave me your photography website or facebook-page address in your comment.  [Of course, please leave your name and email address too!]

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Left:  Solid 'Boy-Blue'

Right:  'Powder Blue' Poka.Dots

Entries accepted until midnight, February 28.

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Happy planning + capturing!

25 weeks

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Best moment this week:   Little man feeling baby kick + his [ecstatic] reaction = priceless.
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Gender:   I have caved... I WANT TO KNOW!

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Miss Anything?   nada
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Nervous?   Been thinking alot about delivery lately.
Hoping I don't have to have another c.section, but am preparing myself for if it may happen.
I am choosing, and daily trying to trust God to take care of the details. 
 I know he will and that the outcome will be best!
... ....

Movement:   yes, and loving it. 

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Food cravings: 
strawberries + fresh fruit are still holding 1st place 

...

Anything making you queasy or sick:   not lately

...

Labor Signs:   No, besides occasional braxton-hicks

...

Symptoms:  
heartburn,
tender c.section scar + skin
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Happy or Moody:   H-a-p-p-y

...

Looking forward to:   upcoming Maternity photos!

Praising God,

love

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{Molly Whitmore Photography} 
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May Valentine's not only be a day, but everyday... a lifestyle.
As we live our day-to-day lives,  let us not forget to continually be giving,
 serving, and loving all who we come in contact with.
#John 3:16

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Counting my blessings!


 Linking up over at Jami's!!

ABD: Spring Preview

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TGI
 TGIF my friends! I'm stopping by to let you in on what is in the works for this spring...
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Featured color families :  teals, purples, greys, + corals! 

Details :  jewels, beading, and feathers!

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* If you're not a follower on Pinterest and missed seeing the sneak-peek this week,

 you can see it here!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Everything you do....

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It's Wednesday, hump day and I don't know about you, but I have lots of housework to complete, and a house full of babes to love on.  Needing a little motivation and energy, I thought of this song.
 .....

This one's for all you Mamas out there... 

A reminder as to what "it's all about" and encouragment for the day ahead!  [smile]

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You’re picking up toys on the living room floor for the 15th time today...

Matching up socks and sweeping up lost Cheerios that got away...

You put a baby on your hip,

and color on your lips,

and head out the door.

And while I may not know you, I bet I know you wonder sometimes...

Does it matter at all?

Well let me remind you....

It all matters just as long as you do everything you do,

to the glory of the One who made you.

Cause He made you to do every little thing that you do, to bring a smile to His face,
And tell the story of grace...
with every move that you make and every little thing you do.....

Steven Curtis Chapman - Do Everything Lyrics

have a wonderful day, friends!

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love+many blessings,



23 weeks + a coffee date

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23 weeks.

Gender: Still a surprise! [and no, we don't know]

Miss Anything? no way.
loving this special time, and know it'll pass too soon. 
  

Movement: growing the next karate kid!

 

Food cravings: 
We've moved on to breakfast foods + fresh fruit -
strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries!

Anything making you queasy or sick: nah

Labor Signs:  nope

Symptoms: dag-gone heartburn


Happy or Moody:  

Mostly happy, with a touch of mood+attitude the last few days 
Whaat??

A Coffee Date

Sometimes I feel blue about missing out on
'normal' stay-at-home-Mom kind of stuff...

... playdates ... 

... storytime at the library ...

... get-togethers ... brunches ... 

... occasional "me time" ...

... coffee or lunch dates w/ friends ...

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So, won't you come over and join me for hot-tea this morning,

A "coffee date"?

With our mugs, we'd plop down on the newly-juice-stained couch...

surrounded by an array of toys, laundry, and little ones...

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I'd ask how you are?...
What is new + has been happening in your world?
I'd want to know what I can pray for you about...
And if there are ways I can bless you.
.....

I'd confess that I've been struggling with a bad attitude the last couple days,
and hate it.

I'd tell you that potty-training is kicking my butt...
 That I'm tired of it and would love to just quit.
However, we all know it doesn't work that way.   

I'd share that I'm disappointed to miss our church's women's retreat this weekend...

 and that several of my dear friends are speaking.
I'm missing it due to being church Hostess on Sunday.
I know that I can't 'do it all' ...
not when working full-time, carrying a baby, having lots of food and a home to prepare. 
But mostly, having my heart and attitude
to prepare and rejuvenate.


I would tell you that it feels good to 'vent'...
to help 'get over' my disappointment and be able to look forward to the weekend...
the preparing, and hostessing... opening up our home... our hearts.
..

I would express my gratitude for your visit...

 and listening ear.

  

  Until next time,