*The Doe Or The Deer

Unplugged.

2012-01-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

Definitely not quitting the blogging world, but just unplugging. Everything is great, just super busy and distracted with "real" life. The computer is just a bit too time consuming, and time is not what I have right now. I'm still on Twitter (@JLYoungsma), but def not as much, because thats a huge time-suck in itself. You can also find me on Instagram at TheDoeOrTheDeer, thats where I update pics on the daily... Much less time consuming. I miss blogging and have a thousand different ideas, but I'm sort of at block on how to relay them. Oh well.

I'll be back.

Lucky.

2011-11-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

On 11/11/11 at 11:11 am I was honored to shoot my best friend's mothers wedding. It was a sweet, intimate and meaningful backyard wedding. She's practically my mother, so emotions ran high even with myself. I don't take photos very often anymore, but I was more than happy to be a part of the event when she asked. Here's just a few pics from the day.

Halloween time ROUNDUP!

2011-11-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

How does October end up being the busiest month ever?! Even more busy than December? Maybe perhaps my obsession with Halloween, pumpkin patched and decorating just consumes me. No shame. So, since I'm still in the midst of "catching up", I'm gonna photo vomit this post with a month loads of Halloweenie-ness!

National Youth Workers Convention! San Diego style...

2011-11-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

A VERY Hello Kitty Birthday...

2011-11-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

Double Dose of Disney.

2011-11-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

For Zoe's birthday she woke up to Mickey Mouse pancakes and spent 2 full days at Disneyland. One day with my parents and another with just the four of us. She has really mastered the art of patience and waiting in line, since last year for her 2nd birthday (remember that? Yikes!)... Her absolute favorite rides are the "Halloween House", "Pirates ride", Snow White and the "Big ol' Boat".

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack!

2011-11-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ummm, so this is awkward. :::clears away tumbleweeds:::
If you follow me on Twitter (@JLYoungsma) or Instagram (@thedoeorthedeer) you would already know that tragedy had struck this blog. MY COMPUTER BROKE. Not only broke, but just flat out died... And since I don't have sponsors or have $1100 to blow on a fancy new laptop, I had to wait and wait and wait some more (approximately 6 weeks of wait) to get my baby back in business. And unfortunately, the Blogger app for iPhone didn't work either. So now I have to catch up on a month and half of posts starting next week.. And hopefully will be up to date completely by 2 weeks time.
What I learned from this unexpected hiatus, is that any doubt that I had about continuing this blog was smashed in the first week I didn't get to hit "new post"... I've missed it dearly. And I've missed connecting with my readers and blog friends. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

***Expect the next few weeks of blog posts to be brief and loaded with photos... Writing out a month and half of events is just too tedious of a task for my brain to handle.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZOE... YOU'RE 3!

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

3 most awesome things about being 3

-Her personality: Zoe is a natural performer. She can memorize movie lines and entire songs instantly. And will sing songs she has made up on her own. This birthday she is asking for a sparkly pink Hello Kitty drum set, so she can be like daddy. Zoe also has no problem running up on stage, grabbing the mic and lay down some "slam poetry" in front of a crowd. Currently she has been using a phony southern belle accent, asking for a kiss on the cheek and if you oblige, she puts her chin on her shoulder, flicks her wrist and says "awe shucks". Even though she loves to ham it up, don't bother asking her to perform on demand or take a posed picture. She will refuse and shut you down if not in the moment. Recently she told me, "Don't speak to 'The Zoe'!"...

-Her obsessions: Everything is Hello Kitty these days. Lunch boxes, purses, sippy cups, umbrellas, clothes... Oh the clothes! She will only wear Hello Kitty shirts and ruffle tutu's. She is just too much! But, her number one obsession is Mr. Beavers. He goes EVERYWHERE with her. She has recently given him a fist name, Congo. Yes, thats right, Congo Mr. Beavers. And he is her bestest friend.

-Her smarts: I know every parent brags about how smart their kid is. But, really, she's pretty dang sharp! Talking in full complete sentences and complex conversations, asking full questions, counting, abc's, memory... Derek and I have to keep reminding ourselves that she is only 2 (well, now 3) and not 7. Unfortunately, with being so smart and aware, it's been tough to get things past her. If you promise something, 6 hours later she'll be asking about it and where the heck it is. Shoot, she counts the days till going to Disneyland again, because we "promised". She's also too smart for potty training. Or at least thats what we keep telling ourselves.

-------------------------

Dear Zoe,

I know we had a rough start at the beginning of your life on this Earth

and I promise to spend every moment of my existence trying to make up for it.

You are a true original.

I am so ever grateful, proud and honored to be your mom.

Happy birthday, love.

mommy

--------------------------

Click HERE to read Zoe's birth story.

I put something other than pajama's on.

2011-09-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

My husband's band (Bleeding Through) had a show this past weekend. So, we took advantage of being near the beach without kids and made a date of it. Nothing is more pleasing than having dinner that I don't have to scarf down in two minutes and not getting pelted by sugar packets.

The little things in life.

Deets:
Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: GAP
Belt: BR
Shoes: Naturalizer
Glasses: Coastal Contacts
Bag: Nordstroms

Laguna Beach!

Ignoring me. ;)

Taco Loco's Tofu Mushroom Burger. So.good.

I like, really love calamari nachos... Obviously.

Babe.

Ain't no party like a crochet party...

2011-09-21T00:25:00.000-07:00

Elisia and I decided to throw a little party for our church youth group girls. Ya' know eat cake, crochet, watch teen appropriate movies. GIRL STUFF.

Oh, back up, I didn't tell you... I guess you can say I am a youth leader for our church (9th-10th grade girls). I have a name tag, so thats official, right?! Now before ya'll have a heart attack at the thought of me being a "leader" or even in charged of young, fragile minds, I've got help from Elisia and Ashley who are sooooo much better than me in the biblical sense of knowledge. I'm just kind of the gal that gets the conversation going, all while I trying not to curse. Anyways, I love it and am learning a lot. It's really fulfilling. I'll go more into detail at another post...

Back to the party. I baked, bought chips and ginger ale and hoarded bushels of yarn for these gals. We have about 12 girls in our group and I knew not everyone would show, BUT my worst party host fear happened....only two showed up. Sad! Oh well, though. Better luck next time. I was just so happy to have our 2, super rad, girls show up. On the plus side, it meant there was more cake for us. Yipee! I *think* the girls enjoyed themselves? The didn't try to escape or anything. ;)

We ate cake, roamed Target, pigged out on candy corn and (tried) to learn to crochet. Okay, well I gave up on crocheting, but the other gals did great! I'll just leave it up to Elisia to whip up my winter scarves.

Too hot to blog.

2011-09-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to be so spastic with my posts, but hot damn its humid here and I can't even think! I've noticed I post 10x more in late Fall and Winter than Summer. Weird. Anyways, while I sweat, enjoy my lovely new kitchen curtains I designed and my Mother-In-Law sewed. Her talent is beyond me.

What points?!

2011-09-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my husband, mom, dad, family friend and I went to the Riverside Food Truck Festival. If you follow my Instagram (thedoeorthedeer) you would already know I ate everything in sight. Burgers, sushi, flatbread, chicken, potatoes, thai, lobster, indian, waffles, macaroni and cheese... Oh and lets not forget the deep fried Oreo. Luckily we were smart enough to share everything, but lets just say that I didn't count my Weight Watchers points that day. The trucks in attendance were pretty fancy in comparison to the trucks Derek and I are used to. We've definitely have had our fair share of "street meat" coming from some pretty tore up looking places. We think the dirtier the better, but I'm sure many of ya'll would disagree with that theology. Ha!

We had VIP tickets, that didn't really mean much, since the VIP tent lacked seating AND air conditioning, as promised. The only positive thing about our tent was the endless amount of drinks... And since it was over 100 degrees that day, it was well appreciated. We also had front row to the Journey coverband... So there was that.

Considering it's the festivals first year, I sure do hope they work out the kinks by next year. Perhaps, better parking, not over-selling VIP tickets, have as many trucks as advertised... Just to name a few kinks. (Perhaps a coordinator is reading this??) Anyways, it was still worth it to go and try all sorts and varieties of foods. My only regret is not getting the bacon wrapped brownie. Mmmmmhmmmmm...

Is there a food truck trend where you live?

-----------

{DEETS}
Shirt: Lauren Conrad
Jeans: GAP
Shoes/necklace: Target

New hair!

2011-09-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it had been over a year and half since I had last colored it (or even cut it)

and I was ITCHING for something new-ish. So? I went dark. And I love it.

Yay!

See ya'!

DIY: fabric garland

2011-08-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

WHO HAVE I BECOME?!

I know that is exactly what you are thinking... My inner Martha has emerged and I can't stop gluing, cutting and glittering everything in sight. Perhaps it's because I'm running low on wine in the house and need to distract myself?

Anyways, I made some decorations for Zoe's upcoming birthday (I know, she's getting older, can.not.believe.it.) and thought I would share this simple little project. I costs barely anything, especially if its just lying around in your craft closet. Yes, I have a craft closet and I've been in the closet about my crafting love affair...till now.

I plan on making a few of these for different holidays. Halloween fabric, Christmas fabric... Oh hell, I'll probably make one with turkey fabric for Thanksgiving. I can't help myself!

-Fabric remnants
-Yarn
-Scissors

Snip the edge of your fabric. Space about 1 inch.

Tear fabric at each cut.

Gather all your strips! *I made mine about a 12 inches long.
Not really a step, but "5 steps" sounded better than just 4. I'm nuts.

Tie strip to yarn.

Repeat tying strips till you get the effect you want.

Hang it anywhere...

Enjoy!

Featured!

2011-08-29T08:00:00.001-07:00

Check out a sweet little interview about internet friendships over at Susannah Bean's blog!

Click HERE..

Ps, you should follow her blog, it's one of my favs and she is simply the best gal.

From internet buddies to real life friends.
Hi, Dani!!! <3

A double date to the desert: The Get Up Kids

2011-08-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

An hour and half drive to my homeland of Joshua Tree.

Childless.

With dear friends.

Exploring, wandering and reminiscing the desert landscape.

Eating good food.

Drinking tasty spirits.

Watching and listening to great music.

Couldn't have been a better night.

(Pictures speak for themselves. Scroll down for video. Everything shot with iPhone.)

DIY: chair makeover

2011-08-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

I've got a wild DIY hair up my ass and I thought I would share.

Oh Charlie!!!

BEFORE:
Ugly $3.00 chairs...

Navajo print glory, people!

-Take chair seat out. Pull the 4,000 staples out of the seat....
-Trace seat outline on 1/2 foam and cut it out.
-Put some wood glue on the top of the seat and press foam down.
-Lay fabric face down and seat top down on fabric. Leave a few inches to pull over seat.
*Preferably DO NOT do this project on your vintage teak table... -___-

-Pull fabric tight and start stapling like a m-effer!
-Boom! Covered seat.
-Spray paint (Berry Pink) chairs and dry.
-Slap that fancy seat right back on your chair.

TA-DA!
You've got a pair of fancy, reupholstered chairs.
Enjoy.

Nifty thrifty.

2011-08-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday's thrift finds.

-Wall embroidery
-Mid Century table legs.. (project in the works)
-Handmade vintage dress

A vintage suitcase, too.... Don't mind the pink chair, I'll tell you about that SOON. ;)

I'm an old lady at heart.

Oh and Ezra wanted to say "hi".

BFF

2011-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

I drove a long 3 hour drive to Santa Barbara to

surprise my very bestest friend for her 30th birthday.

You could say I was her present.

By the end of the night we threw on our sweats,

drank 2 bottles of wine and played hours of Rock Band till 3am.

THAT'S how you spend your 30th.

Obviously we're twins, right?

A very realistic re-enactment of the surprise.

She's got lots of buddies!

Ummm... I miss living down the street to this.

I love her so much. 18 years of friendship!

SEATTLE (actually, PORTLAND): DAY 3

2011-08-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Public Market mini donuts!

Long drive, coffee needed.

Random lake!

Dress: Vintage from Redlight... Yep, I got it!
Boots: Target

Smoked salmon, cream cheese on a bagel.

I love crazy.

Landmarks.

Old town Portland.

Love him.

Tasty N' Sons.

Lunch with Rosie and Travis!!!

Mid afternoon cocktail? Why not!?!

Bacon wrapped dates... Seriously dead.

Art everywhere. <3

Burnside.

Hitting up food trucks for dinner.

Hot diggity dog before the movies....

Went to see Hesher at Lauralhurst. So.fricking.good.

A movie theater that serves, beer, wine and pizza. YES PLEASE.

glitter bricks.

Of course we got Voodoo Donuts.

Bacon maple, people!

G'night!

Long time no blog.

2011-08-15T17:30:00.001-07:00

Did last week just blow by, or what?! Crap... Completly unintentional. I've been super busy between sick/injured kids, church and surprise trips to Santa Barbara. I haven't even OPENED my laptop in over a week. Slacker. I'll be back in action tomorrow. Just thought I should actually post something so you knew I am still alive.... barely.

SEATTLE SERIES: DAY 2

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

{deets}
Dress: Anthropologie
Belt: Coach
Socks/boots: Target
Purse: Tarnish (bday gift from the hubs)

The Space Needle... Thats about as close as we felt like going to it.

Hurricane Cafe for breakfast... It's a 24 hour punk rock cafe/bar.

I was a hungry, hungry hippo.

So handsome.

Took another stroll around the market...

Peonies are my favorite!

Paid a tribute to my hugest inspiration, Kurt Cobain.

Kurt Cobain bench.

The house he lived and killed himself in.

Park adventures.

Took a drive around Lake Washington.

Soaking up the outdoors!

Lunch at the Coastal Kitchen.

Calamari sandwich. Mmmmm...

Capitol Hill shopping extravaganza!

I love me a gay district!

Vintage shopping at Red Light...

{Deets}

Shirt/necklace: F21

Jeans: Old Navy

Bag/boots/bracelet: Target

Jacket: Vintage Levis

Dinner at Athenian. I had the "Tour of the PNW", crab cakes, clams and salmon. Top with a local microbrew.

Post dinner dessert at Molly May's ice-cream shoppe... Carmel Sea Salt scoop. I DIED.

How could you say no to a Boston Terrier sign?!

Window treats...

Empty market. Kinda eerie.

I love me some old buildings!

Sicky Sundays.

2011-08-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since we've been battling a serious case of the sickies in our house. Ezra has had a double ear infection, stomach flu and all around jerk baby attitude. Unfortunately, this has now been passed onto Zoe. So Sunday was an unusually rainy and cold day. We missed church, because we had a late night of sick children and the with the possibility of passing it to others, we didn't want to risk it. We did, however, feel the need to at least get outside for fresh, non-germy air. the majority of the time was spent with the kids sleeping in the car and the occasional nose wipe. All seemed good for the most part. Well, until coming home from Forrest Falls and were 3 blocks from home. Zoe said "Mommy, I feel sick." Grrrrrrrrreat. We pulled over, snatched her out of her seat onto the sidewalk and I held my baby's hair back while she vomited watermelon. (Flashback of college parties was all too familiar.) So there's that. The week hasn't seemed to get any better. I am just so exhausted from 2 sick kids. I guess this is payback for all the fun mommy and daddy had on vacation in Seattle without them. Payback is a bitch.

{DEETS}
Dress/tights/boots: Target (seriously everything I own is from there)
Jacket: Vintage Levis
Necklace: Some shoppe in Seattle

This is how I feel for the past week... Ugh.

SEATTLE SERIES: DAY 1

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here begins my FOUR PART PHOTOGRAPH SERIES of my surprise birthday trip to Seattle, WA.

Leaving Long Beach.

Snow capped mountains.

Been awake since 3am...

{deets}
Jacket: vintage Levis
Necklace: made by Dena
Everything else: Target

Fish market.

Salmon po' boy and chowder at Market Grill.

Love me some blue grass.

Obligatory Public Market pic!

Busy, busy, busy....

Life's blood.

View from our hotel.

Headed out for more exploring downtown Seattle!

{Deets}
Shirt/jacket/purse/boots: Target
Necklace: F21
Jeans: Old Navy

Original Pikes Place Starbucks.

Tourist!

Our hotel was just blocks away.

Downtown Seattle.

Downtown Seattle. Our hotel, The Paramount.

Here piggy, piggy....

Watching the docks...

Pano-view.

Husband and wife, watching the sun set.... <3

Save a horse, ride a cowboy.

2011-08-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

You definitely need some background music to this post.... Enjoy.

{deets}
dress/leggings/boots: Target
Bracelet: vintage
Earrings: World Market

And here's a guest pass to the rest of the photos from the night, CLICK HERE.

New hurrrs.

2011-07-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

I went neon-turquoise-hot pink-ombre-ish!

I hadn't touched my hair in over a year and still refuse to color my new growth. Stubborn/lazy.

so.much.fun.

BIG THANKS to my lovely and dear friend Elisia,

who whipped this up for me on a whim in my kitchen, while eating bbq.

That's how we role.

Comedians...

2011-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

I HAZ 2.

SOLID POINT.

2011-07-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

“‎Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, surrounded by assholes.”-William Gibson

Glad I got rid of those assholes...

source: flickr

Family.

2011-07-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

With my husbands band taking a much needed break this past year from eleven years of straight touring, it's really hard to keep close with our little Bleeding Through family. Especially since everyone lives in Orange County except for us. So I really cherish the times that we are able to get together when the boys (and girl) have a local show. Not to mention local OC shows are the best, because they not only get to play with friends' bands, but other old friends come out in support. I love seeing everybody and I especially love seeing my babe of a husband play. Hanging out with my fellow "BT Tour Widows", reminds me I need to make more trips to the beach and hang with some of my favorite ladies. <3

Time flies!

2011-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

My nephew, Asher, turned ONE!!! Can you believe it?! I can't at all.

But apparently I have proof from his 1st birthday party...

Still in disbelief, though.

Notice the decorations? Yep, those were from my dad's retirement party...

Thank goodness they could be re-used! Anyone else wanna throw a luau? ;)

Ah spaaaa....

2011-07-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

I almost titled this post "Mud Butt", but I thought that would give you the wrong impression... And could get awkward.

So THIS is how I spent my 30th. With my most beautiful, sweet, thoughtful girlfriends soaking up salty pools, slurping mimosas, boiling ourselves in hot springs, laughing so hard that people were staring and slathered in mud, aka, Heaven. I love those girls. LOVE.

The face of 30.

Nachos! Healthy, right?

The ONLY time you will see me in a swimsuit.

peace out....

Surprise x tres!

2011-07-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Can I just start this post with how much I absolutely adore my husband? Seriously, I am so lucky. Here I am having a daily meltdown 4 weeks prior to my big 3-0 and all the while during my sniveling and whimpering of "oh I'm not having anything special" waaawaaawaa, HE was planing an awesomely thoughtful surprise party for me. I am such an asshole. And (husband if you are reading this)? Thanks for putting up with me.

So BOOM, surprise party.

Then BOOM, my girlfriends surprise with a day at the spa the next day (on my birthday).

Oh and BOOM, my husband surprises with a birthday getaway to SEATTLE.

So.many.tears.

Seriously, ask any one of my lady friends or husband what happens when they mentioned anything about the surprise party or spa day or my trip to Seattle. I am a big blubbery mess. I'm just so unbelievably grateful for everything and everyone, even if they are fantastic liars.... My heart wants to vomit rainbows!

And yes, I was VERY surprised....

So surprised that if I had ANY clue,

I wouldn't have worn such a frumpy dress and half assed hair do!

A full day on the 4th

2011-07-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

The morning of the 4th of July we woke up early to go eat Amy's annual "4th of July Freedom Waffles" (well, I coined the "Freedom Waffles" title)... Which were indeed delicious and so worth waking up cranky kids. I really can't get enough of seeing my friends. They are truly a joy to be around. And also, I never pass a chance to party.

On our way home from the "Freedom Waffles" we stopped for some gas. Were we coincidentally ran into the Fisher family, who were on their way to Lake Arrowhead for some yard-saling. They invited us to join them and so on a complete whim, we headed up to the mountain. Well, the yard sales were minimal, but the weather was incredible. So we made up for our bust, with a walk around the Arrowhead Village and soaked up the 60* weather. I'm thinking we may need to make this a yearly thing, because the difference in weather of about 30* is so freaking worth it. The Inland Empire can be a brutal place in the summer.

After a sweet afternoon, besides a couple of meltdowns, we headed down the mountain and back home for a quick nap before the fireworks show. This year we did it a bit differently and actually paid for the show at the University of Redlands stadium and sit on the field with music and enjoy the show. I was a tad reluctant about bringing Ezra to the show, since were so close to the loud fireworks and was kind of mentally preparing for a disaster. To my surprise, Zoe was the one that was scared out of her mind and hid under a blanket the whole time and Ezra was completely mesmerized and loved every minute. Who knew?! She eventually peeked through the blanket and enjoyed the last couple minutes.

Needless to say, I was exhausted by the end of our day.

{Deets}
Shirt: Old Navy
Shorts/shoes: Target
Hat: H&M

---

Featured!

2011-07-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, not really me, but my husband

did a little guest spot for Sometimes Sweet's Papa Said series.

Check him out, here!

Ps. I totally cried when I read it. Gah!

Ladies night *birthday week edition.

2011-07-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

You're probablly asking yourself, "where the hell has Jess been?" ... Well, I'll tell you. I have been having the best birthday (week) ever! A lot of unexpected surprises have happened and now I'm just catching up. So, I'll start from the beginning of my birthday week extravaganza, Saturday night.
My girlfriends and I had a ladies night on the town, that was sorta for my birthday, but mainly to keep our sanity. So.much.fun. We even got hit on by Count Chocula. Don't ask. Thanks to Ashley, my gut was sore by the end of the night from laughing. However, I did not get as wild as last time, in fear of repercussions Sunday morning, but enjoyed myself nonetheless.
Also, sidenote, "club people" are such turds. Gimme a bar with old people missing teeth... Thats my kind of place!

{Deets}
Dress: Target
Cardigan: H&M
Shoes: Blowfish
Earrings: F21

SO expect posts this week catching up from last weeks eventful happenings.

Ezra's check up!

2011-07-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ezra's 15 and 1/2 month check-up:

Height = 33" (95%)

Weight = 30 lbs 13 ounces (99%)

Head circumference = 47.5 cm (67%)

Ezra is still nursing, about 2-3 times a day.
Says hi, bye, mama, dada, cheese and can sound out the ABC song.
Favorite food is anything breakfast. 2 eggs, waffle & turkey bacon is not uncommon.
He's climbing on EVERYTHING and gets into EVERYTHING!
Jumping, dancing, clapping, laughing....
Typical boy.

Featured!

2011-07-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

I did 2, yes, TWO guest posts over at Sara(H) Darlene's!

Check them out here and here!

Thrifting Thursday

Kid friendly decor

Hey, hey its your birthday!

2011-07-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

It's my 30th birthday!

Party on Wayne!

I haz new glasses, see?

2011-07-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

I can see words and letters and such...

Too bad that will have no effect on my grammatical errors.

Do they make glasses for that? No?

The "Audrey" from ReadingGlasses.com

Zoe likes them too...

THAT FREAKING FACE.

*Been super busy with "real life" stuff. A ton of posts to get to! xox

Sunday's best

2011-06-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

-morning church
-family cuddles
-dinner dates
-long drives

Life is good.

{DEETS}
Dress: Anthropologie
Belt: F21
Shoes: Target

Featured!

2011-06-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

"...There wasn’t a poly/lycra fabric content that this butt didn’t say “yes” to..."

Check me out over at CHILL MAMA CHILL!

Oh hai.

2011-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Daddy day.

2011-06-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

My husband is pretty awesome. He cooks, he cleans bathrooms (because I refuse.. yuck!), changes diapers when he's home.... Totally perfect, right?! So he earned a decent Fathers Day weekend. We swam, ate Buffalo Wild Wings, opened presents, danced in the living room, dealt with a cranky jerk baby (see photo below). Other than jerk baby, it was a pretty relaxing weekend, which is totally needed since we have been crazy busy with church, baby showers, birthdays, retirement parties and children who refuse to nap. Ugh.

Party people!

2011-06-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

I know this post is about a week OVERDUE! But, it seriously has taken me over a week to recover from my dad's surprise retirement party that we thew at our house.

Margarita machines + Mexican food + teachers = A GOOD FREAKING TIME!

3 months in the making and $3,000 later, my house was transformed into a Red Lobster and we surprised my father for the 1st time in history... He actually thought this was for my mom's birthday, until he saw the giant banner and his name.

I did good. Real good.

{Deets}
Dress: Target
Shoes: Blowfish
Bracelet: Vintage
Earrings: Old...
Lei: Party City ;)

For a GAZILLION more photos, check out my Flickr.

Going into retirement.

2011-06-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

My dad, not me.... Jealz. My dad has been a high school math teacher for 39 years. 37 at Twentynine Palms High School (my alma matter). Crazy right? So we traveled to my desert hometown to watch my dad be honored by the school. They presented him with a bronze plaque, or "headstone" as my dad put it, that is to be displayed in the gym. So this is a really big friggin' deal!

Dress: Target
Shoes: F21
Necklace: Dolly and Boy

Good mail day.

2011-06-10T00:06:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I received a lovely little package from the super cute Courtney (whom I met at the Arizona Blogger Meet-up) at Dolly and Boy Jewelry. It was two beautiful necklaces! And seriously, I LOVE THEM. I literally have been wearing them everyday, especially the Mountain Lion Claw. So go and check them out. And have a great weekend!

Thank you Courtney!!!

Date night, bow-chica-bow-wow

2011-06-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Monday night my mother in-law graciously watched our babies. I know, Monday night for a date night? We'll take whatever night we can get! We didn't travel far, just to downtown Redlands for some sushi at Ocean Blue. I totally failed by taking the table outside. They forgot that we were even there. And the worst of sitting outside? No alcohol beverages! Mommy no likey. Other than those two factors, the food was ridiculously delicious. And sitting outside did have it's benefits, quiet. I'm pretty sure we spent 95% of our dinner in complete silence. No babies whining, no sound of toys dropping and rolling under to the next table over, no toddler snatching our food and sneaking sips of our drinks, no baby reaching for knives, sugar packets or eating napkins. QUIET. Ahhhh, delightful.

After our nearly silent dinner we headed over to the movie theater to claim our tickets for The Hangover 2. We wanted to see Bridesmaids, but because we were forgotten at the restaurant, we missed the showing. Whatever, I'll watch anything at this point. The last time I went to the movies I saw Batman, was 20 months pregnant with Zoe and alone.

We had some time to kill, so we headed to the mexican restaurant next door so I can get a mommy pick me up, also known as a margarita. The bar was the opposites of the sushi restaurant. Instead of peace and quiet, we got to listen to loud, obnoxious, drunk townies and smell their cigarette infused permed hair. Please kidnap me and keep in me in the cellar if you ever catch me 45 years old, wearing a zebra print tube top, getting hammered on a Monday before 8 pm. I mean, seriously. After watching the circus of trash, we went to the movie. My review of The Hangover 2.... It was, what it was. A sequel to a movie about partying too much, it's not like it was going to be some brilliantly written thriller. I laughed A LOT. No regrets seeing it. However, I really want to see Bridesmaids still.

After the movie we got home to two sleeping babies and a dog so excited to see us he practically pisses on himself. All in all, an excellent night with the love of my life.

{Deets}
Shirt/necklace: F21
Jeans: Lauren Conrad
Jacket: Vintage Levis
Shoes: Target

Remember Memorial Day?

2011-06-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm just getting to that post now, er, sorry?

BBQ, family, swimming pool, traffic...

All the makings of a successful summer day.

Steppin' out.

2011-06-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Saturday was pretty magical. Its was filled with 24 hours of friends and family. I woke up that morning to my husband handing me a plate of donuts and coffee. Hello, DREAM HUSBAND! Even though he's sabotaging my diet, but I'll let this donut (or two) slide... Derek has been working every Saturday for the past few months and I have truly missed our Saturday family time. So I will soak up the minutes I get with him.

Later in the afternoon we had a little scheduled tea date with my lovely girlfriends. Our lives have been so crazy hectic with work and babies that scheduling time is the only and best way to do it. Even if it's once a month. It's completely worth it. You don't need a constant hangout in order to be true friends. The heart and the friendship is there without a time stamped card to prove it. I sorely found this out this past year and it has been a relief to be rid of people who depend on the constant. I cherish my lady friends, even if its only a few minutes of a month. To top our tea date off I finally got to meet Soren! He is the most beautiful babe and is so squishy. I seriously fell in love.

Later that evening our new (church made) friends the Carlos' came over and baked us handmade calzones while all of our children ran around in circles. I seriously died of yumminess. We've been switching off cooking for each other the past few weeks and it's just a relief to find people in the church, that are normal and have similar interests. And later found out we know a TON of the same people. Plus our kids are around the same age and its nice for them to get some playtime... Even if sharing is a struggle. Haha!

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

Deets
Dress: Old Navy
Leggings: Target
Shoes: F21
Hat: H&M

As of lately...

2011-06-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

Welp, my blogging has been WAY behind. The worst it has ever been. Remember when I would post 5 days of the week, for the past 4 years? What the heck has happened?!
Life is kicking my butt right now.
I'm highly embarrassed.... Someone take my blogging card away!!!
So here I leave you with a giant post of photo vomit of what's been going on the past week. If you follow me on Instagram (the_doe), you will be sorely bored with this post. Whoops.
I swear I will get to my Disneyland post, Memorial weekend post, new church post, play date posts, outfit posts, kid posts, life posts.... etc.
So, in no particular order...

Overwhelming, right?!?

Please HELP. UPDATE

2011-06-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

FOUND!

Breann is safe and at home with her family after being missing for almost 2 weeks. I am so grateful for everyones thoughts and prayers.

Thank you!

I don't usually post things like this, but this has truly hit home. And since I have this blog or so called "platform", I will use it to help. It's the very least I can do. My dear friend, I've known my entire life, is missing her step-daughter. Please. Anything you can do to get the word out, would be greatly appreciated.

CLICK HERE for the Facebook page that was made.

*This is from my friends FB note:

My Step Daughter is Missing

My stepdaughter Breann went missing on the morning of Thursday May 26th. She was dropped off at Prescott Valley High School but did not attend school that day. It was originally thought that she ran away because she was upset about an upcoming family move, but we are not positive that she ran away intentionally. She was reported to have been picked up at Fry's in Prescott Valley by a male with blond hair driving a red pickup truck sometime after school on Thursday, but that is an unconfirmed report. We have received several false leads from her friends, but so far none have been reliable. The Prescott Valley Police Department is doing VERY LITTLE to assist her mother and step father, due to the fact that she was originally reported as a runaway.

The duration of time that she has been gone, combined with the lack of support from law enforcement, have been incredibly sad, frustrating, and scary. I can only imagine the fear her Mom is experiencing right now. We appreciate the love/support/offers of help received from friends and family. We ask that you please take the time to pass along this information, especially to those in the Prescott or Phoenix area. There is a $5,000 reward for any information leading to her safe return.

Going into recovery.

2011-05-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

No, not Lindsay Lohan type "recovery". It's been a hectic week. I woke up with a sore throat, my body feels like its been smashed by bricks, my kids have been a bit "sassy" (to put it nicely) and I have so much to catch up on! More than likely I will annoy you with multiple postings tomorrow. So deal. Meanwhile, enjoy the sax man.

Steppin' out, RAPTURE style!

2011-05-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

We wore black... Just incase.

{Deets}
Hat: H&M
Tank/sandals: Target
Scarf: UO
Ring: F21

State St. Deli, wassup!!!!

Exhausted from a busted thrifting trip. Booo... :(

And this was only half the day... I'll post more later.

I need sleep!

Go check out that babe Mandy at The Haps...

Summer is...

2011-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sprinkler parties & ice cream dates.

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

*The Doe Or The Deer

Unplugged.

Lucky.

Halloween time ROUNDUP!

National Youth Workers Convention! San Diego style...

A VERY Hello Kitty Birthday...

Double Dose of Disney.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZOE... YOU'RE 3!

I put something other than pajama's on.

Ain't no party like a crochet party...

Too hot to blog.

What points?!

New hair!

DIY: fabric garland

Featured!

A double date to the desert: The Get Up Kids

DIY: chair makeover

Nifty thrifty.

BFF

SEATTLE (actually, PORTLAND): DAY 3

Long time no blog.

SEATTLE SERIES: DAY 2

Sicky Sundays.

SEATTLE SERIES: DAY 1

Save a horse, ride a cowboy.

New hurrrs.

Comedians...

SOLID POINT.

Family.

Time flies!

Ah spaaaa....

Surprise x tres!

A full day on the 4th

Featured!

Ladies night *birthday week edition.

Ezra's check up!

Featured!

Hey, hey its your birthday!

I haz new glasses, see?

Sunday's best

Featured!

Oh hai.

Daddy day.

Party people!

Going into retirement.

Good mail day.

Date night, bow-chica-bow-wow

Remember Memorial Day?

Steppin' out.

As of lately...

Please HELP. ***UPDATE***

*This is from my friends FB note:

My Step Daughter is Missing

Going into recovery.

Steppin' out, RAPTURE style!

Summer is...

Please HELP. UPDATE