Growth

I really do believe that with all life experiences, we grow in some way - positive or negative. I hope with all my family has been through that we grow stronger, more accepting, more appreciative of every day.

In an attempt to grow not only emotionally... but also to grow my life skills, I am trying so hard to literally grow more life around our apartment. Nature has a way of calming, reminding us that life does go on. Yes, I am sad I didn't learn everything my mom knew about growing things - but I will try to borrow from her passion and love and slowly and patiently learn.

Why I drink beer

We want to Kansas City to celebrate Easter with my mom's dad, brother and sister last weekend. It was a really wonderful weekend, full of good food, relaxation and fun.... maybe a little too much fun Friday night.

I won't even say how many bottles of wine we went through (just that Saturday morning was a little rough), but I would do it all over again. We shared wonderful memories about mom, vented our frustrations and laughed a lot. Thanks, Joe and Melody for a wonderful evening, and thanks Anne, Elle, Grandpa and Melody's fam for sharing Easter.

Cocoa Bean

While looking through my new camera the other day, Kevin accused me of being a little too obsessed with our pet. I will admit, a good majority of the pics I have been taking are of Cocoa... but give me a break, I am still trying to figure out the camera and needed a test subject. God knows Kev didn't want to be the guinea pig. Here are a few of my faves...

Memories of mom on April Fools

I definitely would not consider my mom a prankster. But for some reason, she loved April Fool's Day. I will never forget a family trip from St. Louis to Kansas City when we were kids. In fact, we were probably heading up for Easter, when my mom pulled over the car on an desolate exit with no fast food, truck stop, gas station, etc. and frantically proclaimed that we had run out of gas. Needless to say, me and my siblings got little freaked out about what we were going to do (remember the days before cell phones??)... well, after a couple of minutes my mom got a huge grin on her face and said "APRIL FOOLS!!" Such a simple act... a lifetime memory.

A few years back on April Fools she told me I had another sibling on the way. I was awestruck and actually believed her for a good 3 minutes....and then the words "APRIL FOOLS!!" were uttered again. I tried to turn the tables 2 years ago and tell her I was pregnant...but somehow I was not as believable as she always was.

I encourage you to play a nice-spirited prank on someone today. Love you mom.

Making a house a home

One of the things I admired most about my mom was her ability to (at the risk of sounding cliché) "make a house a home." People always felt welcome. Her home was, and is still, beautiful, well-thought out and organized... but what I love most is that it feels "lived-in" and her own. She drew inspiration from Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, etc... but I honestly don't think she ever bought items from these places. Her home is uniquely her (our) own, filled with personal, welcoming touches from my sibling's art (too bad I didn't get that gene)... to her own creations (see one featured below)... to unique finds from etsy, Craig's list, etc. I am slowly trying to work to make my home (OK apt for now) feel at welcoming as hers. Here are a few of my latest additions.


nest pillow embroidered by mom, inspired by Pottery Barn.



Hyacinth, last flower mom planted, in dragonfly container from Michael's.



dragonfly windchime, purchased at Botanical Gardens when we went last week to celebrate mom's birthday

pretty spring flowers!

A toast to mom

Even though I like to consider myself good with words, right now I really don't have any good ones to describe what I am feeling. In fact, I think my sister's tribute is pretty perfect and not sure if I can match it.


Losing mom has been far and away the hardest thing I have been through, and I know many challenges are ahead as we face life without her. I am so blessed that Kevin has been here for me and my siblings and father are amazing, as are my extended family members and friends.

Mom, we love you and miss you. We will think of you always, and try to imagine the advice you would give us. You were the best listener. I will think of you everytime I see a hummingbird, redbird and dragonfly... remember your talent every time I plant or see a beautiful flower, plant or herb... draw inspiration when I look at your gorgeous creations for us (pillows, toweles, bookmarks, photos).... smile when I bake your delicious recipes and eat your favorite foods (especially wine, cheese, and bread!)... hope and pray when I have children that I know what to do and say as you always perfectly did... and always remember the truly beautiful, talented and loving mother and woman you were.

New hangout

Last night the Mr. and I visited one of Columbia's newest bars/eateries - 1839 Taphouse.  It is located in the space formerly occupied by Johhny's Beanery, which brings back so many memories of my years as an undergrad.  It was worth visiting for the nostalgia alone, but will be worth many trips back because of the great beer selection.  They have lots of my faves - several from New Belgium, Schlafly and Goose Island.  They also have some less familiar to me including Magic Hat, Moose Drool and several including a house ale from Crown Valley out of Ste. Genevieve, MO... which we tried last night and was excellent.

They have a great happy hour from 4-7 weeknights I believe with $3 pints, a trivia night and specials all day on Sunday Fundays!  I am excited to have a new spot, close to home, with lots of great beers, good service on our first visit and a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of nice TVs.  We'll definitely be returning in the next week or so, hopefully to try to food as well as just the beer!