A Pretty Picnic

The girls and I hit the road after church yesterday and spent the afternoon in the shadows of the Kirtland temple. It was a bit of a drive and there were a few reasons not to go, but one big reason to make sure it happened.

My little sis was visiting her in-laws for the weekend. The last few weeks have been a drastic mix of emotions for the Furniss clan and I think we all are feeling a strong need to be together. And I needed to see she was ok. This girl is incredible. I am completely amazed at her strength and maturity. Oh, it felt good to be with family. Thanks, Mom Riley, for spotting me some toll booth cash to get home :) It was a pleasure to spend the day with you guys.


Happy Pretty Monday

Something Wicked This Way Comes

That's Galinda with a 'guh'!
How awesome of a mom would I be if I actually dyed Hayden green?

I promised them a little sugar if they let me take pictures of them in their costumes. As we were walking downtown to find a spot, Abbey picked this cute cupcakery. In the meantime, a lady thought the girls were adorable (and who doesn't, really?) and gave us free smoothies at her shop. But I did promise a cupcake. And one that matched her outfit. I'm ready for this diabetes-inducing week to be done :) At least the sugar part.

My cousin, Nicole, made the girls trick-or-treat bags that go perfectly with their costumes. I'll have to post about my side of the bargain later. It made me feel better about not putting much of an effort into their costumes this year.

Happy Halloween, Y'all!

My Sherwin Williams 'Spa' Piano

I've met a little resistance with this project. Apparently it is blasphemous to paint over wood furniture. And when I told people I was painting my piano blue, well, I mostly got confused looks. But here's the thing. My Craigs List piano had carvings in it from the previous owner's grandkids that needed to be sanded out anyway. And one day I'll have a beautiful baby grand in my acoustically sound music room {that will be sound proof when the french doors are closed} :) For now, I have a piano that I paid less for than the paint it took to cover it.

And I LOVE it!

I haven't had a piano for nine years, so the only music I have is violin accompaniments. But I am so happy to have music playing in my house. It does good things to my heart.

Ashley's Institute of Music is now open!
I love this corner of my house.

Monday Pretties

Is it Monday? Did I promise something pretty every Monday? Whoo...well. I meant to write about these pics a while ago and since they are indeed, pretty, they will work for today.

Behold the Mexico Dresses:

J haggled for these in a little flea market in Cancun on our honeymoon. Yes, our honeymoon. He told me he eventually wanted little blond haired, blue-eyed girls. I (the brunette) told him (the dark, handsome one), "Good luck!"

The man gets what he wants. And six years later, both the (blond) girls fit into them perfectly.

PS: it's your turn next week! Look for something pretty in your space! Then email me at ashpace@gmail.com

Can't Help It

The applique can not be stopped! I love it.

And I'm loving that iron-on adhesive stuff. I've been sticking fabric to tags all weekend.

I know what you're thinking--another owl? I know. I think I might need every little girl in my life to have one of her own.

Today while we were driving home from church, Hayden's window shattered. (Thank heaven for tempered glass.) I don't even know how it happened, it was out of nowhere. But my theory is that it happened because I bought gas on Sunday. Dang.

Withdrawals

I have a hard time when company leaves. I have never, ever felt like I was ready to have my guests go home. Even when we lived in our little condo and were climbing over each other to breathe.

J was MIA this weekend. I felt bad he didn't get to see my parents much, but it was nice for me to escape single parenthood for a few days. I definitely show and feel love through acts of service, it was great to have them here to experience both. Thanks for making the trip, I love you guys. And miss you a LOT.

{edit to add: i just noticed abbey's pulling the exact same pose in the first two pictures--it's like someone just switched out her prop}

Pretty Projects

My mom was in town this week. If you know my mom, you know what that means:

...and apparently one floor that could use a swiffer...