Lovelay 2011 Release

Recently, I sat down with my dear friend, Valerie Hammond, to discuss taking my dreams/thoughts/ideas/visions for Lovelay and capturing & portraying them through the lens of her camera.

Needless to say, she exceeded every desire as she photographed this new line. She is so amazing to work with and I am thankful for her friendship!

Also, needless to say, I am very excited about this.

Along for the ride was long time friend, Chelsea Lankes. Chelsea made a huge contribution to the look & feel of this Lovelay photoshoot. She lent her eye for fashion, styled the accessories & the girls, and was such a great spirit to have on as we explored A Day in the Life. Chelsea is a singer/songwriter in town among other things. She works at a local boutique and many of the outfits are from the boutique.

Gracie, Jenna & Betsy all helped bring Lovelay to life. These three beautiful women embraced the role of of a Lovelay Lady and I am honored to have them as the faces of Lovelay.


Photographer: Valerie Hammond
Stylist: Chelsea Lankes
Models: Gracie Spires, Jenna Farro, Betsy Jones

Enjoy "A Day in the Life"

You can find the collection here. I would LOVE to help add a dash of lovely to your every day.

grateful details

i love having a holiday completely dedicated to sitting back and taking into account all that we truly are thankful for.

i am most thankful for the people in my life...

i am grateful to be a daughter of God and to know that i matter to Him, always.

i am grateful to have a husband who is patient with me, quick to forgive, always willing to serve everyone around him. i am especially grateful for his love.

i am grateful to be a new mother. the past 9 1/2 months have been so humbling. and special. and magical. and beautiful. and gosh, i could just watch as she learns and explores and laughs all day long.

i'm grateful for family and friends who are always supportive and encouraging.

when i think really think about it, my relationships with my loved ones, my family, my new baby girl, my relationship with my heavenly father... these are the things i am most thankful for in life. what a wonderful world. happy thanksgiving!

Now I am officially ready for Christmas season. Don't be surprised if you see us wandering around town in red, green, sparkles or any combination of the three.

cello dude

We all know Layla. (well, if you don't you haven't been reading my blog :)) We all know how beautiful, funny and smart she is. She is almost 10 months old.

crrrraaaaazyyyyy.

Well, my almost 10 month old daughter's daddy (aka my handsome husband, aka cello dude, aka j) is an incredibly talented musician. His gifts and abilities are so beautifully created by God and he uses them in such glorifying ways. It melts me. It also melts me how amazing he is with our daughter. and what he is willing to do for her and for our family. He recently picked up a second job to allow me to become a part time nanny for a family and have Layla with me full time. It has changed my world. and his. He has so selflessly given of his time and complains as little as possible! :) In no way do I wish for him to give up a passion, a dream, a gift that he is very successful with but I also don't want to give up my dream to be a full time mommy. He takes every free moment that he gets to be creative. Whether it's playing an instrument, jotting down song ideas, being inspired by his precious daughter, having beautiful conversations with me and with our friends and family. He doesn't let his limited free time be an excuse to "rest". I respect and appreciate that so much.

I'm learning so much every day on how to love him, serve him, cook for him, encourage him, support him, TREASURE him. I am his wife. It is an HONOR to do these things.

We met in 2009, were married in 2010, welcomed Layla in 2011, and here we are...approaching 2012. Our life has been a whirlwind and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Through all of the beautiful chaos, he has loved me, been patient with me, laughed with me and truly been my best friend (the bomb.com). It would be silly for me not to acknowledge the blessings his life has brought mine.

Plus...he's a stud. 

Anyway, I felt that since Thanksgiving is fast approaching (it's basically a day away, y'all) it would be an appropriate time to share with the world how thankful I am for my man.

Who are you thankful for??

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{can you say adorable?????}

i am thankful

I have so much to be thankful for.

On a daily basis I stress, I struggle, I fear, I hurt.

On a daily basis I hug, I laugh, I play, I love.

Despite the stress, struggles, fears & hurt I am able to hug, laugh, play & love because...

 I have a Father who loves me and has given me strength in incredible situations.

I have a Mom & Dad who have encouraged & guided me in a million ways.

I have an incredible talented husband whose God-given gifts never cease to amaze me.

I have a beautiful little girl who has brought so much joy to my life.

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This picture should give you a good idea of why I'm thankful...

What are you thankful for?

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{I am linking up with Casey}

father's day

On this {first} Father's Day weekend for the Saunders trio, the one to be honored is out of town playing pretty music. 

So...this is a tribute to the greatest dad{s} in the world :)

You are so sweet & gentle with our darling baby girl.

 

From the moment you saw her, you there was nothing you wouldn't do for her.

You are her protector.

 

You have taught her how to make silly faces

 Seriously, you melt me.

You want the best for her.

She loves being in your arms.

You get stronger & stronger as she gets bigger & bigger.

{good thing cause that car seat is HEAVY}

You are so stinkin' proud of her stroller. 

I don't blame you, though. It's awesome.

{sigh}

 You are patient during four hour flight delays.

I LOVE watching you with our Layla. She loves you SO much & you make her laugh.

It is an honor being a parent with you. You are my best friend.

I love you, Justin. Happy Father's Day!

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&

Happy Father's Day to the amazing men Layla will call her grandfathers.

 

P.S. I linked up today with Saturday Snapshot over at Oh, Sweet Joy.