a baby and a harmonica.

We love music in this house. Everyday you can hear the sweet sounds of the stereo spilling into our ears. Our feet move, our hips sway and we dance. On most days you will find an instrument in every room. Daddy's guitar, a baby's piano, a little boys drum set, bells, spanish maracas, or a tambourine.

Out of the corner of my eye I watched Jessica pick up this harmonica and play. I quickly captured the moment (hence the blurred photo) before it was gone. The sun was gently shining through the window casting a light on my sweet girl. She laughed and smiled at her accomplishment. She played music while her laughter was the music that filled my heart.

Oh, and her little laugh. I have never heard such a laugh. It it the most precious sound I have ever heard.

living room equals play room.

Remember awhile back when I talked about living room inspiration and then I talked about the long nights we spent painting our living room? Well, we are finally finished and I love the white walls and white trim, which is a good thing because I don't think Jon will ever pick up a paintbrush again. I was hoping to post my before and after shots, but to be honest, I'm just not ready. I'm still searching for a canvas to hang above the couch. Speaking of couches, we finally got a new one! It was a joyous day. I have lived with holes, stains and rips long enough. Unfortunately, we won't receive this beauty for seventy days.

So, as you can tell, this is not a glamorous remodeling post. Instead, I decided to share what really makes our living room. I was in the kitchen cooking and peeped around the corner to check on the kids. Jonas was reading downstairs and Jessica and Joshua were in the living room. I sat silent for several minutes watching their interactions and play. I observed Joshua's creativity and role playing. I'm not sure exactly what or who he was playing, but it put a smile on my heart.

These pictures are the moments I captured. I don't need a fancy canvas painting, I don't need a cozy microfiber couch and I certainly don't need costly decorations to make my living room beautiful. I need my children, my family, their imagination, their voices.


























Today I'm linking up with Morgan and Gussy.
Check em out!

wine tastings and good food.

These are the shoes that I wore to the event.



But these are the shoes I changed into when working behind our booth.



Every year our restaurant, Bender's Tavern, participates in a downtown event that offers wine tastings, local gourmet foods, live music and unique art. I have worked this event every year, with the exception of last because I was so pregnant. It's such a fun night to drink wine, eat good food and mingle with friends.

We served Georges Bank scallops with a sun-dried tomato beurre blanc, roasted beets with skorthalia and pickled onions, and a lobster bisque in an artisan bread bowl.

After we wrapped up downtown, Jon and I headed back to Benders for a late dinner with friends. This was one of those nights when I love what we do.

little things.

I thought this week was going to slow down, but I think I'm coming to terms with the fact that every week is just busy these days. Between three children, the husband, the jewelry, the blog, the restaurant and everything else I'm forever indebted to a busy schedule. Oh, and speaking of the jewelry, I've decided to continue the 50% off sale through the month of September. I still have a few more pieces to add to my shop, and just haven't had the time to get it done. They will be up this weekend....hopefully.
Use the code summersale2011 when checking out.

Even though this life of mine is nonstop it's so important to stop and enjoy the little things. If you don't take that moment, if you don't slow down, if you don't just breathe then you're missing out on moments of happiness. You're letting that stress creep into your mind and take over your thoughts.
So stop. breathe. and enjoy the little things.

These little things made my week:
riding bikes with the boys, listening to music on the back porch, taking a hot bubble bath with my Vogue and glass of wine, baking pumpkin spice cookies, watching Jess take her first steps, driving around looking at old homes with Jon, an afternoon coffee date, shopping for an hour by myself, watching a live webcast of Phish with friends, hanging out with my sister, and hopefully a movie (Nowhere Boy) tonight while Jon works.

What are the little things that made your week?

Lindsay over at from the aile to aloha inspired this post. Make sure to stop by and check out her "it's the little things" friday post.

farmers market. kids art. pizza dinner.

A brother's love makes my heart melt. Jonas is the sweetest most caring little boy I know. Jess was feeling a bit grumpy after her nap.





Jessica, dazed and confused.















Last night was a wonderful night for a trip to the local vineyard for a farmer's market, children's art and a pizza dinner. The cool September weather and few raindrops didn't stop my mother in law and I from packing up the kids. After we finished, we made it home in time for our bedtime routine. Baths, books and snacks and off to bed we went. After everyone was tucked in for the night Jon came home early and we watched, with friends, the live Phish webcast of their Benefit for Vermont Flood Recovery.

Again, I probably stayed up too late but we had a great evening. I love that I can hang out with the kids and do special activities with them and when Jon gets home we have our time. We're taking the kids camping this weekend and I'm really looking forward to quality family time. We haven't camped in awhile....and we haven't camped with the kids yet so it should be interesting.

Jess is wearing: vintage dress, thrifted
Jonas: Oshkosh shirt (thrifted) and gap shorts
Josh: Old Navy button down, Gap shorts