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Currently…

March 23, 2015 7 Comments

So today I’ve decided to join in with Becky of Choose Happy’s Currently Link up for the first time… Fun fun! 😉 You should join in and link up with us!

Currently I am….

Photographing… my sweet girl in the midst of her naps. I know this napping thing won’t last forever and she’s so cute when she’s snoozing!

Klara and Tate Sleeping

Klara Sleeping

Enjoying… sitting outside on our back porch with my Klara girl. It’s one of her favorite things and the weather is SO nice right now!

Klara Outside

Working on… getting my 10,000 steps a day with my FitBit tracker. I’ve been joining in some challenges with friends to see who gets the most steps throughout the week. I have yet to win a single challenge!!! Must step up my game! Anyone have a FitBit? Let’s be friends!

FitBIt

Excited for… my niece is coming to spend some of her Spring Break with us! Klara just loves her and I have missed getting to spend time with her since we moved and she moved. Anyone have ideas for fun things to entertain a teen over break??

Klara and Taylor

Loving… days spent with the hubs and Klara on horseback. He’s trying to rope more now that work has settled down and Klara is getting braver every time she gets to ride our horse, Lady. Even going a tiny bit all by herself!

Nate and Klara on Lady

What are YOU up to currently??

Filed Under: Baby, Kassi Tagged With: ,

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Wrap Up 2014

March 4, 2015 Leave a Comment

If you are unfamiliar with our Twenty Wishes Project here on Truly Lovely please check out that link. So initially I had planned to link up every single month of last year. Then about September life happened. We moved in the end of October, I had to pack up my entire house mostly by myself with a toddler because hubs had already moved. It was a wreck. But, I decided I would share where I ended with my goals for 2014 and write a new list for 2015. Ladies that were participating feel free to share your final wish count in the comments below! I’d love to see where you ended up!

September through December updates are in purple. Updates for August are in maroon. July and June are in orange. May are in green. April are in pink. Updates for March are in blue. Updates for January and February are written in red.

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – 2014

 

1. Visit Disneyland with my little family.
I FINALLY wrote a post and shared some photos we took while at Disneyland. You can see that here.
We had the BEST time as a family visiting Disneyland and the beach. I have yet to sit down and write a blog post about it, but I will sooner or later. Until then, here’s a photo of the Mortensens at Radiator Springs! 😉
Only a few weeks to go!!! Getting so excited… Anyone been to Disneyland with an infant/toddler? What tips do you have for us?
Counting down the days now! Just over a month away!!!
 Reservations have been made! We’re going to go with my husband’s family this coming summer! We’re nearly to the single digits for weeks until we head out for our vacation! 😉

RadiatorSprings

2. Paint my master bedroom.
 Well, we moved. So I set up a completely new house… that didn’t need painted. haha.

3. Plant an upside down Mulberry tree somewhere at my house.
 I planted my Weeping Mulberry Tree the first week of May! Read all about it and my other tree here!
 My tree came!!! It’s actually just a little guy, sitting on my living room coffee table. The hubs and I were both sick with colds all weekend, but hopefully getting it planted will be my first to do of May!! 😉

4. Visit Build a Bear and build a bear for Klara.
In January we made a visit to Build a Bear at the Chandler Mall. We had the best time picking out a little cowgirl bear for my Klara. You can read all about our visit here.

5. Send a handwritten letter, note or card to someone via snail mail once a month.
 Yep, another area where I slacked once all things went to crazy…..
 I slacked on this one this month…. But I do have several Scentsy catalogs going out in the mail tomorrow all with a handwritten note inside. I guess that counts… Maybe. 😉 P.S. If you want a new Fall/Winter Scentsy Catalog message me your address and I’ll send you one too! 😉
 I participated in a summer gift swap and sent a handwritten card to my new friends! 😉
Mother’s Day covered this month. Not only my own mom, but the hub’s step-mom, my nana and aunt got one too!
 I literally just sat down to write this post and realized I hadn’t sent a letter for this month! SO, I got out my cute stationary and sent a handwritten card to my friend Bethani in Texas, you might know her from The Texan Pantry. Girl, if you’re reading this, check your mail in a day or two! 😉
 I sent a handwritten card and printed a few photographs to my grandpa for his birthday in March, when I called to wish him Happy Birthday he said he’d received the card and was happy to see I’d sent pictures of Klara too. 😉
So far I sent two handwritten birthday cards in January and a handwritten Valentine card in February.

6. Save for and buy myself a tablet of some kind. Maybe an iPad or a Surface. I’ve always wanted one… 😉
 I happened to mention to my husband that I wanted to save up for a tablet. I decided I wanted a Surface because they’re more like a little laptop and I thought that would be better for blogging. The morning of Valentine’s Day when I went in to turn on my work computer, I found a brand new Surface and a Valentine note from Nate sitting in my desk chair. Yep, I married a keeper!!! Any Surface users out there? What are your favorite apps, etc?

7. Complete my reading goal of 55 books in 2014.
 All reading besides scriptures also went to the side… SO I didn’t make it. Oh well.
 August didn’t lead to a whole lot of reading… Now that my daughter is weaned I don’t have a whole lot of extra time to sit and read, but I did get some reading done. I am at 35 of 55 books read.
 So far I am at 33 of 55 books through the end of July.
 As of the end of May I’m at 26 books read!
 So far I have read 22 of my 55 book goal, putting me five books ahead. I tried putting the widget in like I always do and couldn’t get it to work right… :( But you can see the books I’ve read here if you’re interested.

8. Host and/or participate in a Google + Hangout with some bloggie friends.
 So I made an attempt at this one this last month… I tried hosting one during the afternoon on a weekday and had two girls log/attempt to log on. I discovered I can’t do a hangout on my Surface which is a HUGE bummer, so I had to use my phone. Google, please make an app for the Surface!!! Thanks. But in the meantime, friends, say hey to Megan of Shaping Up To Be A Mom! We “met” in “person” via Google+ Hangout! I plan to try hosting another hangout sometime soon with hopefully more attendees! If you want an invite, comment below. 😉

9. Have the carpet in my house professionally cleaned. I know this sounds like an ought to do versus a want, but I ought to clean the carpets myself… I WANT to have someone else do it!! haha

10. Make over my guest bathroom.
 Still haven’t painted, but I did change out the shower curtain and accessories. Painting is on the to do list!
 This is a work in progress. I already ordered a new shower curtain and floor rugs. When Kayli is here over her spring break she has promised to help me paint!

11. Take Klara to The Color Run for her “second” time. Technically last year she was just riding in mommy’s tummy. This year I plan to take her in her stroller!
 We did our second color run in Tempe, AZ back in January!! It was a blast just like last year and Klara did so well! You can read all about it here.

12. Get a front screen door for my house.

13. Get together monthly with at least one friend. Dinner, shopping trip, lunch, etc.
 We had fair food with friends at the Lordsburg fair!
 Klara, my sister and I had a lunch date with my new friend Tina for June! And for July we met up with friends for Luna Rodeo weekend.
 We had a little BBQ at our house with my sister in law and her family this month. That’s going to have to count… haha. Its been a busy month!!
 Klara and I were popular in April! We went on our first lunch date with Klara’s Aunt Brianne AND had a lunch date with our friend, Kayce! Yay for getting out of the house and seeing our friends!!!
 This month Kayli and I went shopping here in town for some new TOMS shoes when the ones I ordered didn’t fit… FYI, be careful ordering TOMS online. The sizing can be really weird!!!
In January my sister, sisters in law and I went to Tempe for The Color Run, we went out to the mall the night before, had dinner and did some shopping, so I’m counting that. 😉 February we went with the entire family to the steakhouse in town for my sister in law’s birthday. We took Klara with us and she got to have her first apple sauce and ‘meal’ in a restaurant. 😉

14. Visit here in Safford. I’ve wanted to go since they opened, but haven’t ever made it since it’s across town!
 Done!!! You can read all about our trip to Caboose Frozen Treats here! Oh, and bonus, here’s a picture of our whole group that the guy at Caboose took and shared on their Facebook page! Yep, that’s me holding Klara on the right… squinting into the sun… haha.

15. Figure out a system for organizing and saving the baby clothes and items that Klara has outgrown.
 So I finally took care of Klara’s newborn to 12 months clothes! I purchased two of the under the bed soft plastic organizers from Wal-Mart and sorted through her old clothes discarding anything that was stained or something she never really wore. The rest got put into the organizers and stuck under her bed. I’m saving them in case we have another girl someday or if someone close to me needs the clothes. Plus I’d like to save some for Klara for her future kids like my mom did for me. 😉

16. Get tickets for and attend the 2014 National Finals Rodeo.
 We went!!! It was AMAZING!!!! The noise was a little loud for Klara but we were able to go with some good friends and take my mom and dad for the first time! SO FUN!!!
 This is a work in progress! We have a hotel booked and everything to go to Vegas for the NFR ACCEPT the NFR tickets… So friends, if you know of anyone selling theirs, we are in the market for four. 😉

17. Build a container garden of some sort for my backyard.

18. Pay off my credit card. I’m SO close!!! I’m sure I can have it all paid off by the end of this year.

19. Take a photography class or workshop.
 At the beginning of March Kayli and I attending a photography workshop held at the local college by Impact Photography Group. They are a husband and wife team that is well known and highly popular in our area. We both learned a ton of good information and can’t wait to attend the next one they host. that I took the afternoon of the workshop putting to use some of the new things I learned while attending. It’s straight out of my camera, no editing involved other than adding my watermark. Yep, so worth it! If you’re interested in seeing more of my photography check out my website or .

20. Throw a surprise party for someone.

So there you have it! My wishes for 2014… A lot left undone, but that’s what happens I suppose. What are your wishes for the coming year, month, week? 😉

Filed Under: Kassi, Twenty Wishes

A Life Update

November 18, 2014 6 Comments

Wow… It’s been awhile since I sat down to write a blog post. A month as of yesterday in fact. A lot has happened since then I guess. You know, life tends to go on even if the blog posts stop for awhile. 😉

Packing

We moved! We live outside Queen Creek, AZ now… I’m not entirely sure how long we will be here, but it’s something new and exciting regardless. It took me awhile but I finally got what I think I’ll need unpacked in our rental home. It’s hard to know what you’ll need over a time period that you are unsure of… But I did get SO tired of digging through boxes to find a hair bow for Klara. Or a sweater for me… So I just unpacked most of it and called it good. If I need to repack it sometime in the near future I will. No biggie right?!

Klara has been a champ through this whole thing. We’ve had a couple of rough days and a meltdown here and there but overall she just plugs along, as long as she’s got her mommy in sight all is well. 😉 And she’s such a good little unpacking helper.

Messy Office

Our life in this new place has primarily consisted of the unpacking of our stuff and lots of horseback riding. We keep our horses at our aunt’s house nearby, so we’ve been going over almost every evening to ride and visit. It’s nice to have family living so close in this new place!

Riding horses

Klara is loving riding horses with her daddy or mommy and has even gotten where she’ll ride on her own if I walk beside her and hold her legs. FYI, she’s not old or big enough to be entirely on her own anytime soon!

She’s also had her very first play date with someone other than cousins! Such a big girl with her very own little friend, Rory!!! {Oh and it was AWESOME to finally meet my long time bloggie friend, Ali of Our Happily Ever After in person!}

Klara and Rory

So what about you friends? I haven’t been able to read a single blog post much less write one… Tell me one thing that’s been happening in your life that I need to catch up on!

Filed Under: Kassi, Our Home

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – August

August 28, 2014 1 Comment

If you are unfamiliar with our Twenty Wishes Project here on Truly Lovely we want to invite you to check out the prior link for the what and the why and then join us by writing up your 20 wishes list and coming back here on Wednesday, August 27th (TOMORROW!!) to link it up with us! For those of you already in on the fun, it’s time to share your progress for August 2014!!!

Updates for August are in maroon. July and June are in orange. May are in green. April are in pink. Updates for March are in blue. Updates for January and February are written in red.

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – August 2014

 

1. Visit Disneyland with my little family.
I FINALLY wrote a post and shared some photos we took while at Disneyland. You can see that here.
We had the BEST time as a family visiting Disneyland and the beach. I have yet to sit down and write a blog post about it, but I will sooner or later. Until then, here’s a photo of the Mortensens at Radiator Springs! 😉
Only a few weeks to go!!! Getting so excited… Anyone been to Disneyland with an infant/toddler? What tips do you have for us?
Counting down the days now! Just over a month away!!!
 Reservations have been made! We’re going to go with my husband’s family this coming summer! We’re nearly to the single digits for weeks until we head out for our vacation! 😉

RadiatorSprings

2. Paint my master bedroom.

3. Plant an upside down Mulberry tree somewhere at my house.
 I planted my Weeping Mulberry Tree the first week of May! Read all about it and my other tree here!
 My tree came!!! It’s actually just a little guy, sitting on my living room coffee table. The hubs and I were both sick with colds all weekend, but hopefully getting it planted will be my first to do of May!! 😉

4. Visit Build a Bear and build a bear for Klara.
In January we made a visit to Build a Bear at the Chandler Mall. We had the best time picking out a little cowgirl bear for my Klara. You can read all about our visit here.

5. Send a handwritten letter, note or card to someone via snail mail once a month.
 I slacked on this one this month…. But I do have several Scentsy catalogs going out in the mail tomorrow all with a handwritten note inside. I guess that counts… Maybe. 😉 P.S. If you want a new Fall/Winter Scentsy Catalog message me your address and I’ll send you one too! 😉
 I participated in a summer gift swap and sent a handwritten card to my new friends! 😉
Mother’s Day covered this month. Not only my own mom, but the hub’s step-mom, my nana and aunt got one too!
 I literally just sat down to write this post and realized I hadn’t sent a letter for this month! SO, I got out my cute stationary and sent a handwritten card to my friend Bethani in Texas, you might know her from The Texan Pantry. Girl, if you’re reading this, check your mail in a day or two! 😉
 I sent a handwritten card and printed a few photographs to my grandpa for his birthday in March, when I called to wish him Happy Birthday he said he’d received the card and was happy to see I’d sent pictures of Klara too. 😉
So far I sent two handwritten birthday cards in January and a handwritten Valentine card in February.

6. Save for and buy myself a tablet of some kind. Maybe an iPad or a Surface. I’ve always wanted one… 😉
 I happened to mention to my husband that I wanted to save up for a tablet. I decided I wanted a Surface because they’re more like a little laptop and I thought that would be better for blogging. The morning of Valentine’s Day when I went in to turn on my work computer, I found a brand new Surface and a Valentine note from Nate sitting in my desk chair. Yep, I married a keeper!!! Any Surface users out there? What are your favorite apps, etc?

7. Complete my reading goal of 55 books in 2014.
 August didn’t lead to a whole lot of reading… Now that my daughter is weaned I don’t have a whole lot of extra time to sit and read, but I did get some reading done. I am at 35 of 55 books read.
 So far I am at 33 of 55 books through the end of July.
 As of the end of May I’m at 26 books read!
 So far I have read 22 of my 55 book goal, putting me five books ahead. I tried putting the widget in like I always do and couldn’t get it to work right… :( But you can see the books I’ve read here if you’re interested.

8. Host and/or participate in a Google + Hangout with some bloggie friends.
 So I made an attempt at this one this last month… I tried hosting one during the afternoon on a weekday and had two girls log/attempt to log on. I discovered I can’t do a hangout on my Surface which is a HUGE bummer, so I had to use my phone. Google, please make an app for the Surface!!! Thanks. But in the meantime, friends, say hey to Megan of Shaping Up To Be A Mom! We “met” in “person” via Google+ Hangout! I plan to try hosting another hangout sometime soon with hopefully more attendees! If you want an invite, comment below. 😉

9. Have the carpet in my house professionally cleaned. I know this sounds like an ought to do versus a want, but I ought to clean the carpets myself… I WANT to have someone else do it!! haha

10. Make over my guest bathroom.
 Still haven’t painted, but I did change out the shower curtain and accessories. Painting is on the to do list!
 This is a work in progress. I already ordered a new shower curtain and floor rugs. When Kayli is here over her spring break she has promised to help me paint!

11. Take Klara to The Color Run for her “second” time. Technically last year she was just riding in mommy’s tummy. This year I plan to take her in her stroller!
 We did our second color run in Tempe, AZ back in January!! It was a blast just like last year and Klara did so well! You can read all about it here.

12. Get a front screen door for my house.

13. Get together monthly with at least one friend. Dinner, shopping trip, lunch, etc.
 We had fair food with friends at the Lordsburg fair!
 Klara, my sister and I had a lunch date with my new friend Tina for June! And for July we met up with friends for Luna Rodeo weekend.
 We had a little BBQ at our house with my sister in law and her family this month. That’s going to have to count… haha. Its been a busy month!!
 Klara and I were popular in April! We went on our first lunch date with Klara’s Aunt Brianne AND had a lunch date with our friend, Kayce! Yay for getting out of the house and seeing our friends!!!
 This month Kayli and I went shopping here in town for some new TOMS shoes when the ones I ordered didn’t fit… FYI, be careful ordering TOMS online. The sizing can be really weird!!!
In January my sister, sisters in law and I went to Tempe for The Color Run, we went out to the mall the night before, had dinner and did some shopping, so I’m counting that. 😉 February we went with the entire family to the steakhouse in town for my sister in law’s birthday. We took Klara with us and she got to have her first apple sauce and ‘meal’ in a restaurant. 😉

14. Visit here in Safford. I’ve wanted to go since they opened, but haven’t ever made it since it’s across town!
 Done!!! You can read all about our trip to Caboose Frozen Treats here! Oh, and bonus, here’s a picture of our whole group that the guy at Caboose took and shared on their Facebook page! Yep, that’s me holding Klara on the right… squinting into the sun… haha.

15. Figure out a system for organizing and saving the baby clothes and items that Klara has outgrown.
 So I finally took care of Klara’s newborn to 12 months clothes! I purchased two of the under the bed soft plastic organizers from Wal-Mart and sorted through her old clothes discarding anything that was stained or something she never really wore. The rest got put into the organizers and stuck under her bed. I’m saving them in case we have another girl someday or if someone close to me needs the clothes. Plus I’d like to save some for Klara for her future kids like my mom did for me. 😉

16. Get tickets for and attend the 2014 National Finals Rodeo.
 This is a work in progress! We have a hotel booked and everything to go to Vegas for the NFR ACCEPT the NFR tickets… So friends, if you know of anyone selling theirs, we are in the market for four. 😉

17. Build a container garden of some sort for my backyard.

18. Pay off my credit card. I’m SO close!!! I’m sure I can have it all paid off by the end of this year.

19. Take a photography class or workshop.
 At the beginning of March Kayli and I attending a photography workshop held at the local college by Impact Photography Group. They are a husband and wife team that is well known and highly popular in our area. We both learned a ton of good information and can’t wait to attend the next one they host. that I took the afternoon of the workshop putting to use some of the new things I learned while attending. It’s straight out of my camera, no editing involved other than adding my watermark. Yep, so worth it! If you’re interested in seeing more of my photography check out my website or .

20. Throw a surprise party for someone.

Again, don’t forget to get your list written and come back here on Wednesday (July 30th) to link it up with us!!! Past… There’s a giveaway if you share your 20 wishes list and/or progress so far!!! 😉

Filed Under: Kassi, Twenty Wishes

Swimming and a Sweet Vacation Home!

August 20, 2014 4 Comments

When we went on our Disneyland vacation in June (you can see my Disneyland recap here) my in-laws rented an AMAZING Disney themed vacation home.

It had a princess bedroom for the girls…

Princess Bed

A Superhero bedroom for the boys…

Superhero Bedroom

And a fun Mickey Mouse pool right in the backyard!

Mickey Mouse Swimming Pool

Klara got to take her first ever swim in that sweet Mickey Mouse pool! She did not like it at all at first. I think the water being a little cold didn’t help the situation, but after awhile she started warming up to it.

Klara's First Swim

As long as mommy held her or was close by when she was in her floaty she did just fine.

Baby Swim Floaty

Family photo in the pool!!!

Family Photo in the Pool

The hubs and I loved our bedroom. It had a nice king sized bed and our own in suite bathroom. I’ve only been once, but so far I am convinced that if you’re taking a large group a vacation rental home in Anaheim is the way to go when you visit Disneyland!

fancy bedroom

Again, I am not an expert, I have only had one daughter so far, but if you have any questions about taking baby on vacation, or baby’s first time swimming, I would be happy to try to help! Just let me know!

Taking Baby on Vacation

Filed Under: Baby, Family, Kassi Tagged With: ,

Disneyland!!! i.e. Picture Overload

August 11, 2014 1 Comment

Make that wish number one ✓ checked off!!!

1. Visit Disneyland with my little family.

Thanks to the in laws, the whole family got tickets to spend two days at Disneyland  in Anaheim, CA in June 2014. We spent the first day in the Disneyland park and the second doing California Adventures. {Please pardon the photo quality! These were all taken with my cell phone because I didn’t want to lug around my big camera all the time!}

Disneyland, California

The Lego Store at Disneyland

The Lego Store at Disneyland – We thought the Lego knight and dragon were so cool!

Mine and Klara’s first ride at Disneyland was the Dumbo ride. There weren’t a whole lot of rides that she could go on, but we made sure to take her on as many as we came across. She doesn’t look all that thrilled here, but really, she did have a good time and spent a lot of it laughing and looking around happy as could be!

Dumbo Ride at Disneyland

Klara rode the carousel with her daddy.

Carousel at Disneyland

It’s a Small World with part of the fam!

It's a Small World Ride at Disneyland

It’s a Small World was easily Klara’s favorite. She loved the loud music and the lights. She spent the entire time dancing and looking around.

It's a Small World Ride at Disneyland

It's a Small World Ride at Disneyland

Clara Belle’s! Almost like Klara Beth… 😉

Clara Belle's at Disneyland

Captain Hook at Disneyland

This kid was just not feeling the photo ops at Disneyland… Every photo she looks annoyed… haha!

Minnie Mouse Ears

We were SO excited to find Minnie at California Adventures. By the way, the Soaring Over California ride is WAY, WAY cool. A must do if you ever go!

Meeting Minnie Mouse

Klara’s favorite souvenir!!! A Mickey Mouse balloon! Her daddy bought it for her then after that anytime she saw a balloon anywhere in the park she’d get excited and scream, “Dada, Dada!!!” Guess she knew who to ask for goodies… 😉

Mickey Mouse Balloon

Carousel at California Adventures

Fireworks at Disneyland

I snapped this real quick during our second night as we were walking out of the park. Note to self and anyone venturing to Disneyland, DO NOT try to leave the park during the fireworks thinking it will be faster to get out. It’s not. They have everything roped off and will only let you walk in one direction so you have to walk all around the park to get out. Haha.

Radiator Springs at California Adventures

Family photo at Radiator Springs! We used a stroller pass on the Radiator Springs ride… Genius idea! If you have a little one, I highly recommend getting a fast pass for it (otherwise the wait is hours!) and then using a stroller pass! I got to go on it twice in a row!!! Once with the hubs and once with my sister in law. They kept Klara while the other was riding, worked like a charm!

If you have any questions about taking a baby to Disneyland, I would be glad to try to answer them based on our experience. Obviously, one visit doesn’t make me an expert, but I did learn a few things while we were there!

Have you been to Disneyland? What was your favorite ride??

Filed Under: Family, Kassi, Mommyhood Tagged With: ,

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – May

May 27, 2014 5 Comments

If you are unfamiliar with our Twenty Wishes Project here on Truly Lovely we want to invite you to check out the prior link for the what and the why and then join us by writing up your 20 wishes list and coming back here on Wednesday, May 28th (TOMORROW!!) to link it up with us! For those of you already in on the fun, it’s time to share your progress for May 2014!!!

Updates for May are in green. April are in pink. Updates for March are in blue. Updates for January and February are written in red.

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – May 2014

 

1. Visit Disneyland with my little family.
Only a few weeks to go!!! Getting so excited… Anyone been to Disneyland with an infant/toddler? What tips do you have for us?
Counting down the days now! Just over a month away!!!
 Reservations have been made! We’re going to go with my husband’s family this coming summer! We’re nearly to the single digits for weeks until we head out for our vacation! 😉

2. Paint my master bedroom.

3. Plant an upside down Mulberry tree somewhere at my house.
 I planted my Weeping Mulberry Tree the first week of May! Read all about it and my other tree here!
 My tree came!!! It’s actually just a little guy, sitting on my living room coffee table. The hubs and I were both sick with colds all weekend, but hopefully getting it planted will be my first to do of May!! 😉

4. Visit Build a Bear and build a bear for Klara.
In January we made a visit to Build a Bear at the Chandler Mall. We had the best time picking out a little cowgirl bear for my Klara. You can read all about our visit here.

5. Send a handwritten letter, note or card to someone via snail mail once a month.
 Mother’s Day covered this month. Not only my own mom, but the hub’s step-mom, my nana and aunt got one too!
 I literally just sat down to write this post and realized I hadn’t sent a letter for this month! SO, I got out my cute stationary and sent a handwritten card to my friend Bethani in Texas, you might know her from The Texan Pantry. Girl, if you’re reading this, check your mail in a day or two! 😉
 I sent a handwritten card and printed a few photographs to my grandpa for his birthday in March, when I called to wish him Happy Birthday he said he’d received the card and was happy to see I’d sent pictures of Klara too. 😉
So far I sent two handwritten birthday cards in January and a handwritten Valentine card in February.

6. Save for and buy myself a tablet of some kind. Maybe an iPad or a Surface. I’ve always wanted one… 😉
 I happened to mention to my husband that I wanted to save up for a tablet. I decided I wanted a Surface because they’re more like a little laptop and I thought that would be better for blogging. The morning of Valentine’s Day when I went in to turn on my work computer, I found a brand new Surface and a Valentine note from Nate sitting in my desk chair. Yep, I married a keeper!!! Any Surface users out there? What are your favorite apps, etc?

7. Complete my reading goal of 55 books in 2014.
 As of the end of May I’m at 26 books read!
 So far I have read 22 of my 55 book goal, putting me five books ahead. I tried putting the widget in like I always do and couldn’t get it to work right… :( But you can see the books I’ve read here if you’re interested.

8. Host and/or participate in a Google + Hangout with some bloggie friends.
 So I made an attempt at this one this last month… I tried hosting one during the afternoon on a weekday and had two girls log/attempt to log on. I discovered I can’t do a hangout on my Surface which is a HUGE bummer, so I had to use my phone. Google, please make an app for the Surface!!! Thanks. But in the meantime, friends, say hey to Megan of Shaping Up To Be A Mom! We “met” in “person” via Google+ Hangout! I plan to try hosting another hangout sometime soon with hopefully more attendees! If you want an invite, comment below. 😉

9. Have the carpet in my house professionally cleaned. I know this sounds like an ought to do versus a want, but I ought to clean the carpets myself… I WANT to have someone else do it!! haha

10. Make over my guest bathroom.
 This is a work in progress. I already ordered a new shower curtain and floor rugs. When Kayli is here over her spring break she has promised to help me paint!

11. Take Klara to The Color Run for her “second” time. Technically last year she was just riding in mommy’s tummy. This year I plan to take her in her stroller!
 We did our second color run in Tempe, AZ back in January!! It was a blast just like last year and Klara did so well! You can read all about it here.

12. Get a front screen door for my house.

13. Get together monthly with at least one friend. Dinner, shopping trip, lunch, etc.
 We had a little BBQ at our house with my sister in law and her family this month. That’s going to have to count… haha. Its been a busy month!!
 Klara and I were popular in April! We went on our first lunch date with Klara’s Aunt Brianne AND had a lunch date with our friend, Kayce! Yay for getting out of the house and seeing our friends!!!
 This month Kayli and I went shopping here in town for some new TOMS shoes when the ones I ordered didn’t fit… FYI, be careful ordering TOMS online. The sizing can be really weird!!!
In January my sister, sisters in law and I went to Tempe for The Color Run, we went out to the mall the night before, had dinner and did some shopping, so I’m counting that. 😉 February we went with the entire family to the steakhouse in town for my sister in law’s birthday. We took Klara with us and she got to have her first apple sauce and ‘meal’ in a restaurant. 😉

14. Visit here in Safford. I’ve wanted to go since they opened, but haven’t ever made it since it’s across town!
 Done!!! You can read all about our trip to Caboose Frozen Treats here! Oh, and bonus, here’s a picture of our whole group that the guy at Caboose took and shared on their Facebook page! Yep, that’s me holding Klara on the right… squinting into the sun… haha.

15. Figure out a system for organizing and saving the baby clothes and items that Klara has outgrown.

16. Get tickets for and attend the 2014 National Finals Rodeo.

17. Build a container garden of some sort for my backyard.

18. Pay off my credit card. I’m SO close!!! I’m sure I can have it all paid off by the end of this year.

19. Take a photography class or workshop.
 At the beginning of March Kayli and I attending a photography workshop held at the local college by Impact Photography Group. They are a husband and wife team that is well known and highly popular in our area. We both learned a ton of good information and can’t wait to attend the next one they host. that I took the afternoon of the workshop putting to use some of the new things I learned while attending. It’s straight out of my camera, no editing involved other than adding my watermark. Yep, so worth it! If you’re interested in seeing more of my photography check out my website or .

20. Throw a surprise party for someone.

Again, don’t forget to get your list written and come back here on Wednesday (May 28th) to link it up with us!!! Past… There’s a giveaway if you share your 20 wishes list and/or progress so far!!! 😉

Filed Under: Kassi, Twenty Wishes

My Brand New Trees!

May 14, 2014 2 Comments

I grew up in the mountains in New Mexico. Surrounded by towering pine trees, beautiful, green leafy trees… Trees of all kinds. Now I live in the desert of Arizona. Aside from the occasional Mesquite tree, there aren’t many naturally growing trees out here. Although the desert does have its own unique beauty I find myself craving the greenery and shade offered by a tall, leafy, green TREE! So much so that wish number three on my Twenty Wishes List for this year was to plant an Upside Down Mulberry Tree at my home.

Well, consider that a wish checked off! ✓ Yeah, she’s just a thin, little stick of a tree, but hopefully she’ll survive and grow to be a big, beautiful Mulberry.

TreePlanting1

The first week of May I dug the hole myself and planted my itty bitty Weeping Mulberry Tree. Turns out that’s what they’re really called… I first saw one at my aunt and uncle’s house and LOVED it! A full grown Weeping Mulberry Tree will make a perfect place for Klara to play when she’s older!

TreePlanting

For my Mother’s Day gift this year my husband took us to the local nursery where we picked out a second tree for the front yard. This time a two year old Fruitless Mulberry Tree. They’re supposed to mature quickly and make a great shade tree. Win-win! He dug the hole for me this time… Thank goodness cause just the first little hole took me forever… haha. And planted my Mother’s Day tree!

TreePlanting2

This was my first official Mother’s Day since last year I was pregnant with Klara, but the hubs gave me a present that year too, because he rocks! 😉 I just want to say I am so thankful for this little girl that made me a momma. Love her and her daddy to pieces!

What did you get for Mother’s Day??

Filed Under: Kassi, Mommyhood Tagged With: ,

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – April

April 28, 2014 7 Comments

If you are unfamiliar with our Twenty Wishes Project here on Truly Lovely we want to invite you to check out the prior link for the what and the why and then join us by writing up your 20 wishes list and coming back here on Wednesday, April 30th to link it up with us! For those of you already in on the fun, it’s time to share your progress for April 2014!!!

Updates for April are in pink. Updates for March are in blue. Updates for January and February are written in red.

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – April 2014

 

1. Visit Disneyland with my little family.
Counting down the days now! Just over a month away!!!
 Reservations have been made! We’re going to go with my husband’s family this coming summer! We’re nearly to the single digits for weeks until we head out for our vacation! 😉

2. Paint my master bedroom.

3. Plant an upside down Mulberry tree somewhere at my house.
 My tree came!!! It’s actually just a little guy, sitting on my living room coffee table. The hubs and I were both sick with colds all weekend, but hopefully getting it planted will be my first to do of May!! 😉

4. Visit Build a Bear and build a bear for Klara.
In January we made a visit to Build a Bear at the Chandler Mall. We had the best time picking out a little cowgirl bear for my Klara. You can read all about our visit here.

5. Send a handwritten letter, note or card to someone via snail mail once a month.
 I literally just sat down to write this post and realized I hadn’t sent a letter for this month! SO, I got out my cute stationary and sent a handwritten card to my friend Bethani in Texas, you might know her from The Texan Pantry. Girl, if you’re reading this, check your mail in a day or two! 😉
 I sent a handwritten card and printed a few photographs to my grandpa for his birthday in March, when I called to wish him Happy Birthday he said he’d received the card and was happy to see I’d sent pictures of Klara too. 😉
So far I sent two handwritten birthday cards in January and a handwritten Valentine card in February.

6. Save for and buy myself a tablet of some kind. Maybe an iPad or a Surface. I’ve always wanted one… 😉
 I happened to mention to my husband that I wanted to save up for a tablet. I decided I wanted a Surface because they’re more like a little laptop and I thought that would be better for blogging. The morning of Valentine’s Day when I went in to turn on my work computer, I found a brand new Surface and a Valentine note from Nate sitting in my desk chair. Yep, I married a keeper!!! Any Surface users out there? What are your favorite apps, etc?

7. Complete my reading goal of 55 books in 2014.
 So far I have read 22 of my 55  book goal, putting me five books ahead. I tried putting the widget in like I always do and couldn’t get it to work right… :( But you can see the books I’ve read here if you’re interested.

8. Host and/or participate in a Google + Hangout with some bloggie friends.
 So I made an attempt at this one this last month… I tried hosting one during the afternoon on a weekday and had two girls log/attempt to log on. I discovered I can’t do a hangout on my Surface which is a HUGE bummer, so I had to use my phone. Google, please make an app for the Surface!!! Thanks. But in the meantime, friends, say hey to Megan of Shaping Up To Be A Mom! We “met” in “person” via Google+ Hangout! I plan to try hosting another hangout sometime soon with hopefully more attendees! If you want an invite, comment below. 😉

Megan

9. Have the carpet in my house professionally cleaned. I know this sounds like an ought to do versus a want, but I ought to clean the carpets myself… I WANT to have someone else do it!! haha

10. Make over my guest bathroom.
 This is a work in progress. I already ordered a new shower curtain and floor rugs. When Kayli is here over her spring break she has promised to help me paint!

11. Take Klara to The Color Run for her “second” time. Technically last year she was just riding in mommy’s tummy. This year I plan to take her in her stroller!
 We did our second color run in Tempe, AZ back in January!! It was a blast just like last year and Klara did so well! You can read all about it here.

12. Get a front screen door for my house.

13. Get together monthly with at least one friend. Dinner, shopping trip, lunch, etc.
 Klara and I were popular in April! We went on our first lunch date with Klara’s Aunt Brianne AND had a lunch date with our friend, Kayce! Yay for getting out of the house and seeing our friends!!!
 This month Kayli and I went shopping here in town for some new TOMS shoes when the ones I ordered didn’t fit… FYI, be careful ordering TOMS online. The sizing can be really weird!!!
In January my sister, sisters in law and I went to Tempe for The Color Run, we went out to the mall the night before, had dinner and did some shopping, so I’m counting that. 😉 February we went with the entire family to the steakhouse in town for my sister in law’s birthday. We took Klara with us and she got to have her first apple sauce and ‘meal’ in a restaurant. 😉

14. Visit here in Safford. I’ve wanted to go since they opened, but haven’t ever made it since it’s across town!
 Done!!! You can read all about our trip to Caboose Frozen Treats here! Oh, and bonus, here’s a picture of our whole group that the guy at Caboose took and shared on their Facebook page! Yep, that’s me holding Klara on the right… squinting into the sun… haha.

CabooseFrozenTreats

15. Figure out a system for organizing and saving the baby clothes and items that Klara has outgrown.

16. Get tickets for and attend the 2014 National Finals Rodeo.

17. Build a container garden of some sort for my backyard.

18. Pay off my credit card. I’m SO close!!! I’m sure I can have it all paid off by the end of this year.

19. Take a photography class or workshop.
 At the beginning of March Kayli and I attending a photography workshop held at the local college by Impact Photography Group. They are a husband and wife team that is well known and highly popular in our area. We both learned a ton of good information and can’t wait to attend the next one they host. Here’s a photo of my sister in law and new nephew that I took the afternoon of the workshop putting to use some of the new things I learned while attending. It’s straight out of my camera, no editing involved other than adding my watermark. Yep, so worth it! If you’re interested in seeing more of my photography check out my website or .

Safford_AZ_Newborn_Photographer

20. Throw a surprise party for someone.

Again, don’t forget to get your list written and come back here on Wednesday (April 30th) to link it up with us!!! Past… There’s a giveaway if you share your 20 wishes list and/or progress so far!!! 😉

Filed Under: Kassi, Twenty Wishes

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – March

March 25, 2014 4 Comments

If you are unfamiliar with our Twenty Wishes Project here on Truly Lovely we want to invite you to peruse the prior link for the what and the why and then join us by writing up your 20 wishes list and coming back here on Wednesday, March 26th (i.e. TOMORROW!) to link it up with us! For those of you already in on the fun, it’s time to share your progress for March 2014!!!

Updates for March are in blue. Updates for January and February are written in red.

Kassi’s Twenty Wishes Progress – March 2014

 

1. Visit Disneyland with my little family.
 Reservations have been made! We’re going to go with my husband’s family this coming summer! We’re nearly to the single digits for weeks until we head out for our vacation! 😉

2. Paint my master bedroom.

3. Plant an upside down Mulberry tree somewhere at my house.

4. Visit Build a Bear and build a bear for Klara.
In January we made a visit to Build a Bear at the Chandler Mall. We had the best time picking out a little cowgirl bear for my Klara. You can read all about our visit here.

Klara's First Build a Bear

5. Send a handwritten letter, note or card to someone via snail mail once a month.
 I sent a handwritten card and printed a few photographs to my grandpa for his birthday in March, when I called to wish him Happy Birthday he said he’d received the card and was happy to see I’d sent pictures of Klara too. 😉
So far I sent two handwritten birthday cards in January and a handwritten Valentine card in February.

6. Save for and buy myself a tablet of some kind. Maybe an iPad or a Surface. I’ve always wanted one… 😉
 I happened to mention to my husband that I wanted to save up for a tablet. I decided I wanted a Surface because they’re more like a little laptop and I thought that would be better for blogging. The morning of Valentine’s Day when I went in to turn on my work computer, I found a brand new Surface and a Valentine note from Nate sitting in my desk chair. Yep, I married a keeper!!! Any Surface users out there? What are your favorite apps, etc?

Surface

7. Complete my reading goal of 55 books in 2014.

2014 Reading Challenge

Kassi has
read 11 books toward her goal of 55 books.
hide

 

 

8. Host and/or participate in a Google + Hangout with some bloggie friends.

9. Have the carpet in my house professionally cleaned. I know this sounds like an ought to do versus a want, but I ought to clean the carpets myself… I WANT to have someone else do it!! haha

10. Make over my guest bathroom.
 This is a work in progress. I already ordered a new shower curtain and floor rugs. When Kayli is here over her spring break she has promised to help me paint!

11. Take Klara to The Color Run for her “second” time. Technically last year she was just riding in mommy’s tummy. This year I plan to take her in her stroller!
 We did our second color run in Tempe, AZ back in January!! It was a blast just like last year and Klara did so well! You can read all about it here.

Klara and Mommy

12. Get a front screen door for my house.

13. Get together monthly with at least one friend. Dinner, shopping trip, lunch, etc.
 This month Kayli and I went shopping here in town for some new TOMS shoes when the ones I ordered didn’t fit… FYI, be careful ordering TOMS online. The sizing can be really weird!!!
In January my sister, sisters in law and I went to Tempe for The Color Run, we went out to the mall the night before, had dinner and did some shopping, so I’m counting that. 😉 February we went with the entire family to the steakhouse in town for my sister in law’s birthday. We took Klara with us and she got to have her first apple sauce and ‘meal’ in a restaurant. 😉

14. Visit here in Safford. I’ve wanted to go since they opened, but haven’t ever made it since it’s across town!

Caboose

15. Figure out a system for organizing and saving the baby clothes and items that Klara has outgrown.

16. Get tickets for and attend the 2014 National Finals Rodeo.

17. Build a container garden of some sort for my backyard.

18. Pay off my credit card. I’m SO close!!! I’m sure I can have it all paid off by the end of this year.

19. Take a photography class or workshop.
 At the beginning of March Kayli and I attending a photography workshop held at the local college by Impact Photography Group. They are a husband and wife team that is well known and highly popular in our area. We both learned a ton of good information and can’t wait to attend the next one they host. Here’s a photo of my sister in law and new nephew that I took the afternoon of the workshop putting to use some of the new things I learned while attending. It’s straight out of my camera, no editing involved other than adding my watermark. Yep, so worth it! If you’re interested in seeing more of my photography check out my website or .

Safford_AZ_Newborn_Photographer

20. Throw a surprise party for someone.

Again, don’t forget to get your list written and come back here on Wednesday (March 26th) to link it up with us!!! Past… There’s a giveaway if you share your 20 wishes list and/or progress so far!!! 😉

Filed Under: Kassi, Twenty Wishes
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