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We have grapes!

 

Well, we moved. Again. In case you were wondering where I’ve been. You would think I was getting paid for moving as often as I have. Almost like a reality television show, where I would get paid to move to different cities and allow you to follow us on our adventures — the restaurants, the events, the sights.  I wish. It’s more the opposite. Moving isn’t cheap, and I’m certainly not getting paid to do this almost every year. Perhaps I have some kind of disorder when it comes to being settled. Perhaps I don’t want to feel settled. Who knows. By now I would consider us experts at moving. 5 rentals in 7 years. Ridiculous. On the bright side, I guess there is something wonderful about moving into a new place. Out with the old, in with the new. Clean, de-clutter, drop a load to the Goodwill, start fresh. As much as I hate packing, I have to admit, I love to unpack. Put the music on and organize. Almost therapeutic. Until your baby wants your attention and you have to put the unpacking on hold and snuggle and play. Not complaining, just a different kind of move this time! But to the point here, our new place has a full on garden in the front yard, with planter boxes and all! Basil, tomatoes, lemons, limes and more. And in the back we have grapes. GRAPES! In our backyard. And they’re delicious. When I walk in the back, I smell grapes. I love it. It makes this move all that better. I’m excited to save money by living out in the hills, and hopefully we can begin to daydream of the day when we finally plant our roots, and settle somewhere. Whatever that means. More pics to come.

Holidays, Jace

Christmas in September

Mr. Jace got an early visit from Santa Claus while in Arizona this month. A friend of our family wanted to stop by to meet our little man and showed up dressed like Santa Claus, an identity he’s trying on this season at some of the local hospitals in Phoenix. Jace wasn’t scared at all. He was giddy and curious and happy. Couldn’t stop petting Don’s beard, oops, I mean Santa Claus’ beard ;) I seriously cannot wait for Christmas. We are going to go crazy with the Christmas fun with Jace. Watch out little boy, the holidays are almost here.

{best friends!}
Family, Projects, Scottsdale

The Brush Bar

Us Joy ladies got our paint on in Scottsdale last weekend while I was in town. We had such a blast. The whole paint and wine night has really caught on in the Phoenix area. Surely you’ve heard of it or have a brush bar of some kind near you! My sister and I wanted to do something special with my Mom while I was home, so we booked a morning date at the Brush Bar in Scottsdale for some mimosas and hawaiian flowers. We couldn’t stop smiling while we painted and took in the atmosphere. Pretty sure we’re going to go back over the holiday. My mom definitely did the best. She has some mad blending skills ;)

 

{momma Joy}

 

{seester!}

 

 

 

 

{we were pretty proud of our finished hawaiian flowers}
Family

A day at the pool

Rob’s family spent Labor Day weekend with us, but stayed at the Rio Sands hotel in Aptos so to not overcrowd us. And I must say, it’s quite the hidden gem. Under $100 a night, amazing continental breakfast, great rooms, beautiful grounds and patio seating — and the best part? A heated pool {& hot tub!}. On one of the days, we got our suits on and spent the afternoon at the pool. This hotel may seem small and rinky dink, but it’s anything BUT. We felt like we were at a 5-start resort, minus the white robes. Jace’s first dip in the pool was a total success. He loved it, and he loved watching all of the other kids swim and play. There were two sweet girls who just wanted to hug and kiss him. Germs and all ;) He giggled and smiled and drooled. What a flirt! It was such a fun and relaxing day with the fam.

Cher Joy, Giving Joy, Project, Stationery, Tiny Prints

Cher-ing Joy with Tiny Prints

Tiny Prints recently reached out to me about my Cher Joy series on this here blog. A series I love to keep up with and often roll into my Giving Joy category. We brainstormed together and found the cutest cards to personalize with a little note of joy, actually, one of my favorite quotes about joy of all time.

As soon as I received in the mail, I poured myself some bubbly, sat myself out on the patio and started writing little love notes to my friends. Sealed the envelopes with some washi tape and sent them off to deliver their joy. Have you wrote a friend lately? Try writing a note to someone you’re thinking of. I’m sure it will bring them an ounce of unexpected joy. And, isn’t unexpected joy the best feeling in the world? Go for it,  share some joy.

A special thank you to TinyPrints for the great idea. What a nice, quick way to “cher” a little joy, and for a good price, too.