fulton family cottage.

In 2004, I remember rushing up to Caseville, MI because my boyfriend's family had just purchased a cottage on Sand Pointe. It was an exhilarating night when we first arrived and fun to go as a group and pick out a boat that we would park at the newly purchased dock. It was also fun to hang porch swings from trees, walk the new neighborhood and cruise the sunsets by boat. I do not know if all of us realized the memories that we would find there and how big a part of the family this place would become.

This little cottage has come to mean more and more to our family as we have grown. It became more important as my newborn son put his toes in the freshly poured cement that would also serve as the "stage" where he was baptized. On that same patio, I would marry that "boyfriend" one stormy Michigan, August evening in front of all our friends and family. As I watched my soon-to-be husband cruise up to that dock while Top Gun's "Highway to the Danger Zone" blared from the boat stereo, I knew this place would be more than a cottage to our family. I try to never take this place and this retreat for granted. That Sand Point cottage has already made so many memories for our growing family. As we introduce it to spouses, friends and grandbabies we understand all it has already done for us and can only imagine all the memories that are still to come.

neutral zebra additions.

As much as I adore the weathered and collected look in my home, I also believe in the importance of mixing something fresh and unexpected. I received a gift card for my 25th birthday and was eager to purchase something for our new home (we have not yet moved in). I found this upholstered bench with sleek modern legs, neutral colored zebra print fabric and studding. I have so many potential locations in mind in our new home.

On another note, my mother-in-law has been wanting to recover her dining room chairs and we had picked out a similar fabric a few weeks ago. Today we tackled the project and the chairs look great. Her dining room is pretty and traditional and I believe her fabric choice for these old chairs were just the unexpected twist this action packed room in their home needed. (left is the "before" and the right is the "after")

emilia's ponies.

My baby girl can finally make a ponytail out of her hair! This weekend she was able to sport a "sprout out the top of her head" style pony and tonight we made low pigtails. Her daddy has absolutely melted into putty. Her curly blonde locks were already tugging on on our heartstrings, but this humid weather partnered with new style possibilities take it to a whole new level and suit her personality very well. This is going to be so much fun:)

dream home.

As of May 21st, 2011 I am 25 years old. I am getting a better "gift" this year than ever before...My DREAM HOME! Pending an inspection...my husband and I are approved and closing soon on a historic, stately, full of character beauty on a charming small town Michigan street. This home was built in 1901, has crystal doorknobs, a beautiful old chandelier, a mail slot in the front door and a carriage house for storage (it was originally for the owner's horse and buggy). Thick white woodworking and trim keep the house crisp and beautiful on the inside. Full glass paneled doors divide the beautiful entryway from the large living room with an oversized bay window and original fireplace. This place was instantly our home and we were in love immediately...the fact that it is actually becoming ours is still unreal. If you follow my blog, prepare for many of my entries to focus on making this place our home for many years to come.

journaling.

Anybody who knows me at all knows I am a documenter. I never miss a chance to take down the facts of life and accentuate the details of our story. Hence, this blog, my photography obsession, scrapbooking, keeping dates on everything, my recipe journal (see previous entry), saving cards from family and friends and my longest form of documentation-journaling.

When I was in 3rd grade I started a diary like many girls my age, but unlike most of my friends who grew tired of the "chore" of keeping theirs up, I only became more eager to write everything down. Most of my entries at that time started with "I love J.T.T." but as I have grown so has my writing. I am currently closing out my 13th journal. I have always kept one since the 3rd grade and cannot picture myself without. Each time I start a new journal I think to myself that this is really the "beginning." Truth is every chapter is a new beginning and I am grateful God has given me the desire to keep track of every one. I love being able to look back at my struggles and happiness with all the passing moments of my life, falling in love with my high school sweetheart, college lessons, the birth of my children, getting married, trials of marriage, joys of motherhood and more.

I have no idea what will ever become of my journals or who will ever read them (if anyone). All I know is I have the desire to write it all down. Something about putting that pen to the paper makes me feel organized, accomplished and relaxed.

my grandparent's farm.

I have so many fond memories of my grandparent's Michigan farm. My grandparent's own 40 acres in the "thumb" of Michigan with hay fields, wooded trails, a creek, cattle, multiple barns, 3 tractors, a pumpkin patch and hundreds of eye catching, adventurous opportunities (especially for a kid).

My brother and cousins and I spent so much of our time roaming those grounds in the summertime. My brother and I spent a couple summers from Arizona at the farm without my parents...one in particular, we chose going to grandma and grandpa's over a second trip to Hawaii and my parents got a vacation for the two of them, while we explored the farm. My grandpa taught us city kids what 4H was and took us to the fair to show his cattle. My grandma taught us how to cook homemade pies and hang clothes out to dry. My brother and I didn't do these things in Arizona. My grandma would tour us around and introduce us to all our "kin folk." We slept many summer nights in their gazebo after bonfires and smores put us into a deep sleep. We caught lightning bugs in mason jars and fished crawdaddies out of the creek. And that summer in 8th grade when the man who would eventually become my husband dropped me off from our first date we hugged on that front porch. This farm has held a special place in my husband's heart from that point on too-as he helped me chase cows, wade down the creek, fish out of the culvert and eat many of grandma's home cooked meals. This is the house he would race from to make his parents curfew and eventually where we would gather antiques for our own home from.

This house and farm hold an incredible amount of memories for me and the two people who live here have made it my second home growing up. They have taught me about country living, life and love. I am now raising my family just 12 miles from this ol' farm and I never pass up an opportunity to let my kids explore the farm. These pictures show my son learning baking techniques from great grandma and driving great grandpa's tractors (his passion). Next Tuesday, my grandpa is getting his cattle delivered for the summer and we will be there to watch them unload. I am so grateful for all the incredible memories this place has provided me and now my family too. I love you grandma and grandpa and your farm on Rossman Road:)

emilia's homemade quilt.

Emilia had to have a quilt like her brother's (see previous blog entry). I love this quilt pattern I have from a children's craft/sewing book. The round tree fabric that I used on Emilia's quilt was especially sweet and I love seeing my little girl snuggled in a quilt mom made and embroidered her name on. Dream on sweet baby...love, mom<3

Springtime kiddies

The dandelions have overtaken our yard...I set the kid's park bench out and had a mini photo shoot. The results speak for themselves. I love the bright colors and the smily, sweet faces of my kids.

old school finds.

I had some great luck at a big flea market style outdoor sale last week. Many vendors set up an impromptu outdoor sale just miles from my house. I drove past on my way to take my son to preschool and then quickly drove back to scout out the goods with my daughter. I took out only a small amount of cash at the ATM so I wouldn't be tempted to overspend. When the dust settled and I was done scouting I left with these two beauties and a combined cost of $15 spent. Both are currently in my office area of my home. The kids love playing with both, but I bought them for their charm and colors. I am leaving both items "as is" for now.

My mom always had an old schoolhouse desk in our home growing up and I immediately wanted one this one because it was "just like moms."

mother's day weekend.

Flowers from my sister-in-law and her family.
The gorgeous plant from my in-laws for mom's day.
The mother's day gift I desire after we have bought our first home.
My kids enjoying Frankenmuth.
Playing at Darbee Park with my kids.

As you all know this past weekend was Mother's Day weekend and as the mom of two sweet little angels I had an excellent time! I had time to take many pictures of my kids (to follow), enjoy the most gorgeous spring weather we have had so far this year and spend time with my family.

On Friday night I had a treat with a private hour long Skype date with my mom. We exchanged gifts ( she always makes me feel like a princess) and had quiet time to talk about what is happening in each other's lives. It was such a treat and I am glad we could find the time:)

On Saturday I was able to go to a church Mother/Daughter Brunch with my grandma and it was beautiful. We all wore aprons and talked about the history and women of this small town. I had an opportunity to spend time with my amazing grandma and I met a new friend. Afterwards, my family took to me Frankenmuth (one of our favorite towns) to eat a greek pizza at our favorite place, walk the downtown and share an ice cream treat. It was perfection.

On Sunday, we all went to church for a great service and then grabbed an outdoor snack for some playtime at the park. Following this adventure we headed over to the in-laws to have a great cook out and enjoy the extra warm sunshine (pleasant surprise). Hopefully we were able to show all the moms and grandmas in our lives how irreplaceable they are. I know I felt special:)

For those of you with curious minds, my son and husband made me a movable plaque for the yard that says "our home" (so special) and Jackson bought me dangly blue earrings, Emilia picked out a pretty summer top! They are too cute.

blog overload.

The weather this week is as beautiful as my life and therefore my blog photo stash is in overdrive. I have hit some amazing outdoor sales, celebrated an incredible Mother's Day weekend and cherry blossoms and dandelions are out (my poor kids have had multiple photo shoots). I have so many great pictures I am anxious to share. However, I do not want to miss the opportunity to spend the day outside with my beautiful babies....so here are a few teasers of antique finished shots of my springtime clothesline. This is country living and I am so happy:)

alivia anne.

My sister-in-law, Stephanie and her husband recently made me an aunt, my husband an uncle and gave our kids their first cousin. Their daughter, Alivia Anne, is a sweet little baby girl with a teeny nose and lots of hair. I am so happy for their growing family, and today their little girl is one month old. I wanted to share this little sweetie pie with you.

Jackson's Style.

My son is the most handsome thing in the world. I would describe his personal style as outdoorsy and preppy. He loves tractors, fire trucks and being outside. He is tough but sweet and thoughtful. He is an old soul and an amazing little boy. He is the light of my life.

Everything has a story.

These are a few items I have collected from the local Goodwill store, yard sales or found as buried treasures behind my grandparent's farm over the last couple of weeks. The silver spoon has the best story--my husband literally dug this up behind my grandparent's barn (also unearthing beautiful antique blue glass in the process)...so cool. The orange/red bowl is a vintage jewel I have repurposed on our desk for my husband's wallet and key storage. The artwork I have hanging in the hallway between my kid's room. The teacups and saucers are a mismatched set I am displaying on our vintage drysink in the dining room. The salt and pepper shakers were adorable Goodwill finds and I can almost see the faces of the little old couple who had them for years before us.

Jackson's Homemade Quilt

I completed this quilt for my son on my sewing machine at home and I have purchased the fabric to make a girly version from the same pattern for my daughter. I really love this quilt pattern because it gives the opportunity to mix and match prints and patterns. It is also a really nice size for little kids. I am proud to have made them an heirloom item they can keep and eventually share with their children. I embroidered Jackson's name and the year on the front of this quilt (the backside is a solid piece of the blue ruffle fabric).