We weren’t sure quite what to think of the bumpy grass and quilt to sit on…

We explored a little and watched Hannah chase her ball.

We read books…

And Hannah listened too…

We had lunch under the trees.

We goofed off a bit…

And giggled some too…

And we played in the grass…

And Dad raised me up as high as the trees…

I love to watch the leaves blow in the wind…

Such a fun day….

I absolutely LOVE Nate. I have since I first watched him on Oprah several years ago, so this is beyond thrilling for me, as I’m sure you can imagine. And it makes it even more exciting that I adore Katherine Heigl too, who is his featured guest today.

The show airs here in California at 3pm, so I’m having a “viewing” party with a few friends in just a bit, but I hear it has already aired on the East Coast. (If you missed it, the segment is also available for viewing on his website).

I’ll hope you’ll tune in!

Josh turned the big 4-0 this month. His parents hosted a big party for him, and I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself, so that was fun. Finn turned six months on Josh’s birthday. We celebrated with a trip to the doctors office for vaccinations. So not what Finn had in mind. Poor baby. He remembers that doctors office each time now, and he does NOT like it.

Little Finn is growing like a weed. He is starting to sit on his own now too. Today he lasted about seven or eight minutes and I was so impressed I ran to get my camera, and just as I was ready to snap the photo, he tumbled over. Ha! I think he planned it that way. :)

I did capture this sweet (but brief) moment while he sat unassisted a few days ago.

He’s sitting in his new playroom I am working on. :o) I decided since we’ve lived here for six years and the guest room has never been more than a room for our cats, that Finn needed more room for his toys. It’s still a work in progress, but I promise to show pictures when I’m ready.

Here he is in my office the other day sitting in his very own chair. :o)

In other news, something pretty exciting happened this month. I was contacted by the Nate Berkus show and asked if I wanted to be a part of their “House Proud” segment for an upcoming show. I, of course, shrieked yes! The next day I was overnighted a video camera and asked to get the footage shot and returned within a day or two. I just about died. Does anyone have their home “camera ready” on that short of notice? lol… I hope I’m not the only one. I begged them to give me the weekend, and they agreed.

Josh and I cleaned frantically and I tried to hide all the clutter so I could meet the deadline and not pass up the opportunity. But man, I was so stressed trying to fit it into my already hectic January that I caught a terrible cold. My voice was so strained on camera, and I think I managed to fumble my lines just about every take.

I was told it will air this Friday, February 3rd. Talk about quick turn time! I am so excited and nervous! I looked it up online and it’s the episode with Katherine Heigl talking about “motherhood and Hollywood”. I just adore her! Grey’s Anatomy is one of my top five favorite shows.

Here’s a picture of my clean living room all gussied up for Nate Berkus!

I took a TON of pictures that day, so I’ll share them in a week or so after the show airs. You’ll have to tune in and let me know what you all think. His show is on at 3pm weekdays on NBC. Eeek!

Make sure you watch for Finn waving goodbye to Nate in the end. He’s so excited to be on t.v. too…lol… Josh decided he didn’t want to be on camera, so he never did make an appearance. :o)

One of the things I am excited about this week, is something I would love to share with some of you…

My beautiful and very talented friend, Jeanne Oliver is hosting her very first e-course. She asked me to contribute in the smallest way with a video interview, and I nervously agreed… I am thrilled to be a part of something so magical, and among the company of so many talented women.

Not only is the course four weeks long, but there are multiple how to videos that you can access at your own pace… I am super excited to try my hand at some of these techniques. Jeanne has also created a private Facebook group for class participants so we can encourage and support one another on this journey. It’s the perfect way to start the new year…

I’m hoping I can pick up a few new skills that will encourage me to explore my inner “artistic” self…

I’d love it if you would join us… Just click on the images to learn more about the class, and purchase anytime before January 9th.  Here’s a bit more info from Jeanne:

Hope to see some of you there.

Happy 2012!

Christmas Eve always starts at my Dad’s house in Huntington Beach. My sister, Ginger, was born on Christmas so we always celebrate her birthday that day as well. Finn was trooper, but did have a minor melt down, so needless to say, my photo taking was put on the back burner. I did manage to capture these two moments, which almost make up for the lack of photos….

Then it was on to Josh’s parents house for Christmas with his Mom’s side of the family. I’m sad to say, I didn’t get a single picture there. We had fun none the less, and Finn sure made out! You should see the “loot” he came home with!

Christmas morning at our house, we were up bright and early. Finn woke up at six, and although he will usually go back to sleep for an hour or so, it’s almost as though he knew Santa came, and he was WIDE awake. So, Josh and I were more than willing to open presents. And of course, Hannah was excited as well. I did capture a few pictures to share, but the lighting was terrible, so you’ll have to forgive the yellowy glow and soft focus….

Then it was on to Josh’s grandparents house for breakfast with his Dad’s side of the family…. and again (shame on me) I didn’t take pictures…

After breakfast, we were back home and ready to host Christmas dinner for my side of the family. I chose to just enjoy the moments, and didn’t even care about not getting pictures. :o)

I feel like I am still recovering, although we already took down our tree and Christmas decor. Finn is LOVING all his new toys, especially his gift from great Grandma Duckett….

I mean look at the smiles that talking, dancing and clapping dog gets….

And I am so proud to say that Finn is now rolling over all on his own. He did it for the first time on Tuesday and we were just so excited! He seems to have mastered the skill, as he has done it over and over again since then…. just look at that proud face!

Warmest of holiday wishes to all of you, and all my best in the exciting year ahead!

and because I can’t help but share pictures of Finn….

He’s napping now, but as soon as he wakes we’re off to see Santa himself. Merry Christmas!

Welcome to my home! This is my front room, which gets 95% of the holiday decor in my whole house. It’s also the room you see when you walk in the front door, and where we have Christmas dinner with my family when we host the holidays, which we have done every year for the past few years. It’s also the very spot Finn will open his presents from Santa on Christmas morning! Oh I can’t wait to celebrate his first Christmas!

I have collected these striped stockings over the last few years, and I love the way they look hanging from the mantel. I usually have a fresh swag of cedar garland behind them with lights, but I haven’t found any yet this season, so I’ll be on the hunt for it next weekend.

I am so excited that this year, I get to pass on a tradition from my own childhood to our new son, Finn. These vintage Santa mugs were in my home as a child, and my sisters and I all had our name on one. The “Sara” mug below is the very mug my mom painted my name on. The “Josh” and “Finn” mugs I found last year to match my own, and just yesterday I painted both Josh’s and Finn’s names on. (Using red nail polish).

I bought this bowling set a few years ago from Fjorn.com. They are one of my favorite Christmas decorations, and I’m sure Finn will love to play with them next year.

A handmade grainsack stocking from Dreamy Whites looks perfect on my Romanian hutch. I have about a dozen different stockings I’ve collected through the years, and I use them more for decor than for filling. I didn’t get them all out this year, but sometimes I will hang them in the bedrooms just to spread around the holiday cheer to each room.

The display atop my piano always changing a bit each year, but my favorite Santa bucket takes center stage every year. St Francis fits right in with the holiday decor, but I keep him out all year round.

I have a small collection of mercury glass ornaments that I adore, and my three oversized ornaments found their way to a wooden dough bowl this year.

I bought this linen advent calendar last year from French General, and added the little girl cut out (from a vintage cabinet card) to help count down the days till Christmas.

Both of my handmade jewel trees were previous year crafts that I did with my family, and they are hung above the mantel, along with a Christmas clock that was a gift from Josh’s grandmother. It plays a Christmas carol each hour.

Hannah always keeps watch over the tree and waits for Santa. She loves to open presents, but she knows she has to wait until Christmas morning  What a good girl she is. :o)

On to the dining room….

Just a few small touches to make it festive, and a fresh wreath for that wonderful smell that fills the house at Christmas time.

Finn’s room also got just a touch of cheer with an advent calendar and a small wagon with vintage blocks.

My office is much to messy for me to let you peek, but I will show you my trug full of packaging supplies that is ready to start wrapping gifts for under the tree…

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed the tour. Be sure to continue on the Holiday House Walk tomorrow, which starts at the lovely and talented photographer:  Traci Thorson’s home.

Happy holidays to you and yours!

I think I got a few gems in there, though!

Happy holidays!

Love,

Josh, Sara, Finn, Hannah, Mason and Annabelle

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!