Spring Break Fun!

Last week was spring break and I decided I should set flowers aside for a few days and spend some time with my sweet family! My husband and I took our girls to Silver Dollar City in Branson for a few days. Coincidentally, one of my sisters and her family and my parents went too, so we were also able to spend some time with them! Although I love roller coasters, my girls are not convinced that they are fun (yet!). My 3 year old, Marin, clutched me the whole time while riding "Fire in the Hole" (a pretty mild ride for a roller coaster if you've ever been on it - it's not even really a coaster!). She was pretty much terrified during that entire ride and definitely did NOT want to ride it again! I guess it's a good thing I didn't make her ride the "Wildfire" ride which goes upside down (just kidding - I would never make her do that!). Although I did tell her it was Mommy's favorite ride. When I asked Marin what her favorite part of Silver Dollar City was, she said it was the slow rides. I guess we'll be spending time in kiddie land for a few more years. Riding tiny rides: one of the joys of parenthood! When I asked my 6 year old, Rachel, what her favorite part of SDC was, she said Dippin' Dots. I thought, "Geez! I could have saved a few hundred bucks and bought her some of those at the mall!" Reminds me of the kid who gets the big present but just wants to play with the box. Oh well, we had fun anyway!!

These few days away got me thinking about how much fun I had with my girls on our last family vacation. We went to Destin, FL. Here are a few pictures from our trips. One is from last 4th of July on the beach. I am usually taking the photos so I'm not in very many of them! It's great to get away and remember what is really important in life - our family!

Heirloom Bouquets

"Something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new..." This phrase that all brides know today probably began as an English custom during Victorian times. The "something old" was supposed to symbolize the bride's connection to her family and her past. Modern brides continue this tradition today, with many of them incorporating their "something old" into their bridal bouquet. Because the items they choose are usually cherished family keepsakes, I like to call these unique flower arrangements "heirloom bouquets." Whether the item is a glamorous brooch, a locket containing the picture of a loved one, or your grandmother's rings, these personal touches will help make your bridal bouquet even more special. One of the most touching items I used was the lace from bride's mother's wedding dress. The mother had passed away and this was a way for the bride to include her mom in one of the most important days of her life. I have also created bouquets using cameo pins, antique handkerchiefs, hat pins, rings, and even a miniature Bible. Each heirloom bouquet I design helps remind me of the importance and significance of your wedding day. Get more inspiration for your own heirloom bouquet by looking at my photo album here. Share your ideas with me! What would you include in your own heirloom bouquet?

Photo Credits:

Photo above by Carl Zoch

Photos at Right, clockwise beginning top left:

Carl Zoch, Hyden Photography,

Andrea Murphy Photography, Lindi Collins, Julie Wallis,

Birdsong Photography.

Guest Lecturer at USAO

Confucius was so right when he said, "Choose a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life." That sounds so cliche, but it is also so very true! I definitely work hard at designing, but since I love it, it hardly seems like work. I am so thankful that I have been able to turn my artistic talents into a successful business. This Friday I will be speaking at my alma mater, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, in a lecture series designed to give career advice to student artists. My advice: it is possible to turn your art into a career when you're dedicated, passionate, and willing to work hard! Read more about this lecture series here, and if you're in Chickasaw March 4th, I hope you'll stop by!