Liv and Me Lovin Our Kitchen

My little design assistant and I would like to show you our humble little kitchen. It is one of our favorite rooms in the house--and we think it looks quite cute!

{ Miss Liv's favorite part of the kitchen--her shrine on the refrigerator and the pretty bird magnets! }

{ Posing for the camera--shocker! }

{ Our little shelf that we love! An Ikea find. }

{ Love our new chairs with the dining table. What would we do without you, KSL?! }

{ One very proud little designer after showing off her kitchen. }

Failing is Just Proof That You are Trying

Today I read this lovely quote on a dear friend's blog and just had to share. I made this poster really quick for me to print and hang in my office. I'm sure every time I look at it, it will put things back into perspective.

A summer of great memories

Today my heart is feeling very full. I just got back from a beautiful lunch with one of my dearest friends. There is nothing better than spending a lovely afternoon with someone so dear to you and laughing, crying, reminiscing, and leaving with a warm embrace. Afternoons and moments like this are what make up a lifetime full of happiness.

This summer has been one of the greatest summers of learning and growth for me. Just as every season of our lives has its ups and downs, this summer has had its ups and downs. I am so grateful that today while driving home, I was finally able to see things in perspective, and realize that everything that has been hard is foreshadowed by everything that has been so good.

When I think of this summer, I think of sitting in Todd and Ashleigh's living room in Indianapolis watching TV shows with two other beautiful women, and laughing and conversing about life. I think of an amazing day at an amusement park and racing down water slides and watching Olivia's joy as we floated the lazy river. I think about spending wonderful, relaxed Sundays with Craig, Olivia, family, and friends. I think about getting on that escalator in the airport and seeing my brother and sister for the first time in four months, and feeling completely overwhelmed with joy and relief. I think of being there to witness Chris and Alycia being sealed in the Temple, and the sweet and pure love of a beautiful new couple, as they embrace with tears of joy in their eyes. And I wouldn't change a moment of it.

I want to thank my Heavenly Father for teaching me that the greatest things in life and the things that really matter are: Craig, Olivia, family, the Gospel, dear friends..and the blessing of being able to crawl into bed at night with my best friend and the love of my life. Nothing could ever bring me more joy and peace. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

Craig, I love you and hope you know that you are my hero and my best friend. I can't wait to see you soon and jump into your arms. I think I will probably never let go!!

Olivia's First 4th of July

Hello everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful, safe 4th of July. And yes, this is me blogging. I know you are shocked!

We had a wonderful 4th of July holiday. We started off the day by having a great breakfast at Todd and Ashleigh's. We should have taken pictures of our delectable german pancake, bacon, and fruit breakfast. I know, story of our lives. Imagine Craig finishing off the last piece of bacon and his really happy, content face, and that should paint a good enough picture.

We then went up into the mountains, ate barbecue and Ashleigh, Olivia, Gus and I watched the boys play soccer and frisbee from the convenience of our air conditioned car. It was very hot and humid up in the mountains. Gus and Olivia were both panting from the heat. Ok, me too.

Later that evening we went to downtown Indianapolis to catch a firework show. We had a great time sitting in the parking lot and enjoying each others company before the show. Todd had purchased some fireworks and we had a few good laughs lighting them off together. It was fun watching Craig and Todd get such a thrill from lighting the fireworks off. For a moment, I caught a glimpse of two little mischievous brothers getting into some trouble. Amazing how things like that make you feel young, again.

The firework show ended up being really great. We turned up our radios and listened to the songs they had compiled for the show. For lack of a better word, it was amazing being there with Craig and Olivia. I just kept thinking about how much I love spending these precious moments with them. I love how the simplest things can make the greatest memories and bring us closer together. I love you two more than anything!!

{Jacquelinne, Olivia & Craig before the firework show}

{Todd, Olivia & Craig before the firework show}

{Olivia laughing with her daddy}

{During the fireworks}

{4 words. I love you, Livie!}

We're Loving This New Swimming Suit

Okay, let me explain, I wasn't going to buy this swimming suit for fear that it looked like I was trying to make my 6 month old look like she's 16..but it was a last second decision I made this morning at Babies "R" Us; and I must admit, Olivia is in love with this swimming suit..and her mom..and Aunt Ashleigh. We were dying when we got it on her. SO CUTE! Dad hasn't seen it yet, so that ought to be interesting.

Olivia's Many Mood Swings

Olivia's many faces. When Craig looked through these pictures this morning, he was laughing and entitled this photo shoot, "Olivia's many mood swings."

By far my very favorite picture of Olivia. Mostly because the hand on
the hip and the look on her face captures her personality in its entirety.

Craig, Jac, Olivia & Indy

Greetings from the beautiful city of Indianapolis!

Sorry we haven't blogged yet. I am trying to figure out a routine and learn how to balance my time with taking care of Olivia and working part time from home. It's a work in progress. Olivia is very frustrated with me.

We are starting to adjust to our new lives here in Indy, though. Every day is the exact same, so you think it wouldn't be that hard.

Craig is doing quite well out here. He is keeping up pretty well with the more experienced boys in the group and learning more and more, everyday. He is having fun and excited about the potential he has of doing well this summer. I am excited that he is so pumped.

I am having a lot of fun hanging out with Ashleigh. We spend the majority or our day together and eat dinner together at night, so the days are going really fast. Thank you, Ashleigh, you have really been so helpful, already! Olivia is loving her new girlfriend and all of the company. Mom has become a very boring figure in her life.

We'll get some pictures up soon!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Things have been really busy, busy, busy for us. I have been working a lot lately and had the privilege of packing up the entire house by myself last week so that we could move last weekend. It was NUTS!! And Olivia was, well, somewhat cooperative.

We have landed at my parents house this week before we leave for Indianapolis. We are getting really excited. We keep hearing from people how amazing the city is, and how much we're going to love it out there. I am pumped for our little adventure.

I am working right now on my work's new blog. Just had to share a few of my latest creations. I'm having way too much fun with this!

the new logo I designed

and the cutie little stamp..

Check out my latest postings on the blog myfinerconsigner.blogspot.com. I just finished my first article. Starting next week, the blog will be updated everyday, so make sure to stop by often for great design advice, happenings at the store, and, hopefully, a good laugh.

$100 Mother's Day Gift Certificate Giveaway

Hello, friends!

Become a fan on faceook of my work My Finer Consigner and post a comment on their page to be automatically entered into a $100 Mother's Day gift certificate giveaway. We will be awarding two gift certificates that may be redeemed at both our Utah locations. Winners will be announced on Saturday, May 8th.

These are a few of my favorite Finer Finds. Enjoy!

Big News

My work finally is under new ownership and we are excited to announce that we are changing from The Finer Consigner to My Finer Consigner.

I am thrilled to also announce that My Finer Consigner will not only be carrying consigned items, but will also be carrying product lines found at Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel. We will be the only destination in Utah to find these products at lower than retail prices! Can you imagine!?

We will also be offering classes, exclusive promotions, and monthly parties to anyone who has a My Finer Consigner Membership. Rumor is that members have the opportunity to get one item at cost per quarter. This is huge!

Please join me on our email list to receive exclusive coupons, and news from My Finer Consigner. Our goal is to get one thousand new contacts by the end of this month, so make sure to tell of your friends and comment in this post with your email.

Thanks so much!

Hit The Road Jack..and Craig and Olivia

I have spent the majority of my day making arrangements for our move out to Indiana this summer. The list of "things to do" keeps getting added to. Thank goodness I have a month to get everything done. I have a feeling things are still going to be a bit hectic around here.

I am excited for our move, though. Olivia and I both agree that we are tired of being in a one bedroom apartment in the basement all day, everyday. There will be lots of opportunity for many adventures for the two of us in our new place. We can go for a walk, take a swim, play tennis, or workout in the workout facilities whenever we want. And, bonus, Princess Olivia will have her own bedroom.

Most of all, we are excited to be able to spend more time together as a family this summer. Craig will be working from noon to nine o clock most days, but it will definitely be a step up from Dad going to work early in the morning then heading straight to school until late in the evening. Olivia will be in heaven. She loves her Daddy!

Bridal Shower Invite

Just for fun..I wanted to share this bridal shower invite I made
as of recent. Infused with beautiful contrasting colors and a touch of class, this is one of my favorite invites, yet.

Olivia's Baby Blessing

Olivia was blessed on the 14th of March. It was a beautiful day and amazing to have family and close friends their to be a part of her special day.

The invite

Olivia wearing the dress that I made for her and her patent ballet slipper pink shoes. She was
in love the minute we put them on her. She couldn't
take her eyes off of her feet.

Daddy and Livie

Grandma Debbie Altom holding Olivia with Todd and Ashleigh

Never was there a get-together at the Evans household without wonderful food.

The pink cupcakes I just had to have. They were lovely!

Cheesecake cupcakes

Grandma & Grandpa Wilson

Jacquelinne & Olivia

Uncle Brian & Olivia



Aunt Alycia, Uncle Brian & Olivia

Grandma Evans, Alicia & Grandma John

It's been a day of blogging. Check out my new posts:

Craig and Olivia, March 2010

Things have been a little crazy around the Altom household. We just had a busy but wonderful weekend up in North Salt Lake where we blessed Olivia on Sunday. We took some really beautiful pictures of Livie with my parents' camera. I will post them as soon as my brother uploads them onto Facebook. I am crossing my fingers he will get them up soon.

Olivia has been growing a lot lately. She is now just over four months old. Her girly nature is definitely beginning to manifest itself, too. Screaming has become one of her new favorite things to do. She screams when she is happy, bored, and mad. She is no longer our sweet, quiet little thing.

Along with screaming, tummy time is also her new favorite thing. She loves to dig her face into and slobber in the blanket, and she is beginning to master the art of rolling over. Today we set Olivia down on her play yard mat and she began to scoot. I am scared.

{ As you can see, she loves to be upside down }

The Right Way To Do Neutrals

Check out my latest post on my design blog: The Right Way To Do Neutrals

WE ARE ALIVE!

This is Craig and for those of you who have followed our blog of recent, you'll know that I don't blog anymore. Jacquelinne has done such a great job at keeping it up to date that I've been able to focus my time and energy on work, school, and family. However, you'll notice our blog hasn't been blogged upon for a few weeks now. The reason being, our internet is down at home. Hopefully the dilemma will be remedied without much delay. Until then, thanks for those who have checked up on us in other ways. Our phones still work and we'd love to hear from you. We love you.

Felicitations,

Craig