Wow, this weekend was busy. I'm finally coming out of the haze.

We got to have (almost) all of Ryan's family over for dinner on Sunday. It was a tight squeeze, 9 adults + 4 kids in 900 sq. feet, but we did have air conditioning! We missed you Cole! It was so fun having everyone together.

And it looks like our schedule won't be slowing down anytime soon. Coming up on the calendar we've got a visit to Santa Cruz/Monterey/Sunnyvale, my parents are coming for a visit, maybe a jaunt to the coast, our Ward Service Auction, another semester starting, and Zoe starting preschool.

The next few weeks are going to fly by and then my beloved season fall will be here! I'm already dreaming of apples and baking and sweaters...ahh...I can't hardly wait!

Ryan is at Scout Camp this week and thank goodness he's coming home soon. I've realized that even when he's busy at home, he is still at home and I really miss him when he's gone. I haven't been lacking for things to fill the evenings though, it just seems to be one event after another. Hopefully we can slow down this weekend, I think we all need a day unplugged.

I'll be back later this week with a crafty share.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

I'll be back with details about my letter tomorrow.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

I'm really excited about thoughful Tuesday this week. I've had something to share for a few days but waited for Tuesday.

I went to lunch with a co-worker last week and had an wonderful, eye-opening discussion.
Over our lunch, we got to talking about her background.
She's Persian, born and rasied in Iran. She lived there for 15 years, before she was able to leave. She left to Turkey for 3 years and then was finally able to come to America. She went through all the proper channels and is now an American citizen.
She's stunningly beautiful and intelligent, and has one of the biggest hearts.
She told me all sorts of stories about what life was like in Iran and how difficult it is to be a woman there.
She taught herself English and speaks almost perfectly. I sat in awe of her for most of the lunch.
I didn't really have much to add to the conversation, I admit I am not well versed in the middle east, geography or customs. But she so honestly answered all of my questions.
After the lunch, I thanked her over and over for sharing her story with me.

With celebrating our country's Independance Day, this weekend, it really hit hard, how free we really are. From the tiniest things like wearing nail polish to choosing one's core beliefs, we really are free.

She has a little tagline up at her desk, "You're too blessed to be stressed. " :)

Happy Tuesday,

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

After reading a blog entry from one of my favorite bloggers, Stephanie, I was provoked to write one similar.

I completely agree that it's prevalent and tempting to create a "my perfect world" type blog. Who wouldn't want one? That's the nice part about being the author of the blog, you control the content.
I tend to follow a more light-hearted trend on this blog, simply because my Dad always told me to be careful what you put in writing, as it's permanent and I've continued to keep my blog public.

The reality is I'm a young, married, working mom. I work more than I want to. I see Zoe way less than I want to. I see Ryan even less than I see Zoe. Some days it's hard. Some days we come home and spend the evening cuddled on the couch, because mom needs the snuggle time. I have driven all the way to daycare on my lunch hour, just to give Zoe a hug, because I missed her so much and I needed to see her that very minute.
We spend most Saturdays in pj's until almost noon. Which is very opposite of my house growing up. I rarely make my bed (although I've never done that). We don't clean up Zoe's room every night.

Most nights I choose my scrapbook desk over the dirty dishes in the sink. 


I would wear my yoga pants and Ryan's giant BYU sweatshirt every day of my life, if it was socially acceptable. If you stop by unannounced after 7pm, that's most likely what I'll be wearing.

Cereal or oatmeal for dinner are always options.

Zoe throws tantrums comparable to my own as a child. I'm certain my parents secretly laugh when I tell them she's Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde some days.