Trends come and go, and then come back again

I keep hearing that hair bows are in. I was the kid who wore bows, everyday.  Not just school picture day, everyday. When I was in KC a few weeks ago my dad brought up a plastic bin from the basement asking me if I wanted anything in it.  I opened it and bows, headbands and scrunchies exploded after being stuffed in there for approximately 18 years. I found a good article and pictures how adults can pull off wear hair bows.  I am not against the trend as a former bow wearer. But as with most trends, this isn't for everyone, including those approaching 30 like myself.  But ask me in 6 months, you never know.

Quick article about the modern bow

I also couldn't help but share some of my favorite bows from the bin. Self-pics do nothing for me but these were worth sacrificing. I don't think the bows will have problems taking the attention off my face. 

Mary Engelbreit anyone?

I wore this one in many soccer pictures, when my head was 1/2 the size.

NEON

Candy Corn and Balloons. Candy Corn lasts 20 years, something is wrong with that.


 

Calling a place home?

This is what I vision our cute little house in Belgium to look like.  I am sure I will be rudely awakened upon arrival. But I am pretty obsessed with how cute and simple it is. The fact that we will be living in Belgium for 3 years sounds like an eternity to me.  I haven't lived in one apartment/house for more than a year since I left for college.  I lived in a different place every year during college and then moved apartments every year since then.  Why did I do that to myself? I am looking forward to finding a place we can call home for 3 years, feels like such a big commitment!  4 months and counting!

More into about the house: http://www.lincolnbarbour.com/blog/2012/03/12/a-tiny-house-in-martha-stewart-living/

Life Update

Life has been pretty quiet around here.  Its amazing how moving to a new city and getting married within 6 months makes you want to do NOTHING.  The spring is picking up though.  And we fully intend for the summer to be wild.  But here is snapshot of the past month or so:

• I met my niece Sylvia!  The little nugget is so dang cute!  I also got to see Emily, who isn't exactly a nugget but may have the cutest chunky legs ever!  Both got Frye boots from Aunt Jill, pretty ridiculous but I take being an aunt serious, including buying my nieces obnoxious brands so they can be cool before they even realize how cool they are.  The trip to Minneapolis was great and I can't wait to get back there soon.  

Headband making shower for Stephanie and Sylvia.  She is set for awhile!

Sylvia- 10 days old.  Newborn photo shoot

Miss Emily showing off her new boots, big blue eyes and chunky  little legs!

• Duke got a haircut.  Don't be fooled, just because he cleaned up his appearance doesn't mean he isn't the same hot mess.  He will be 10 months old this weekend.  I feel like we hit some adult milestones in the last few weeks.  My favorite being that he and I can run and hike without him being on a leash, its so not cool to have your dog on a leash in Colorado...and now we are in the club. 

Before

After (I swear this is the same dog)

• Move Update:  We have to be in Belgium by August 13th.  Yeah, about 5 months from now.  We started the paperwork last week.  We are learning that SHAPE is a small base with international/NATO soldiers that Rob will work on.  He will also get to work on families too which is different than bases in the states.  Wonder what he will think of my teeth?  Every single person we have talked to said that Europe was the best assignment they had and have been giving great advice on traveling and the way of life over there.  Oh and when I say we have started the paperwork, I mean Duke's paperwork- it is proving to be as extensive as ours, and more expensive.  He is going to have so many stamps on his passport (yes, he will have a passport).  We have also begun to plan our Tour de Missouri in late July/early August. Details to follow.  

Happy St. Patty's Day- for sure a holiday that makes me miss Kansas City!

welcome sylvia!

Happy long weekend to everyone.  Ours started Thursday morning at 2:00 am with a wonderful text letting us know that Sylvia Lynn Spence decided to arrive 5 weeks early!  She is 4.11 lbs, tiny as can be but very healthy.  Mom and dad are doing well although surprised by the early arrival!  Here are some pics!  The shower that Miranda and I are throwing Stephanie next Saturday will now be a sip-and-see too.  I can't wait to get to Minnesota on Friday to see my brothers and nieces! 

Sylvia Lynn Spence

Sylvia and Mom

Sylvia Stout made by dad, good thing this will be ready to drink next week

Emily celebrating the arrival of her cousin

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope everyone is enjoying this over-rated-yet-I-still-love-it-holiday!  Mine started with my husband waking up early (he has to be at work at 7) to make me a delicious breakfast including bacon, hash browns, fruit and cinnamon crescent rolls.  He also took Duke out (usually my job) all before he woke me up at 6 :)  Duke felt left out so he snuck into the kitchen and pulled a ninja move and licked some bacon grease...so I made him some brown rice so he would feel better (I do this about once a week due to all the things he eats when I leave the room).  Loved eating breakfast with my husband, it was a perfect gift!

I started babysitting yesterday for 3 girls after school.  They are so sweet and very interesting actually.  The 10 year old is the size of  the 7 year old and the maturity of a 30 year old.  She reads pregnancy and baby books in prep for babysitting and because she wants to be an OBGYN.  She also taught me some french yesterday, a wonderful surprise since I need to start learning some for our big move (Belgians speak french and Flemish). While we were at her sister's dance lesson yesterday the other kids were asking her to do multiplication problems on the spot, she rocked it. Proud babysitter here.  When I was eating reduced fact cheese-its yesterday she asked if I am trying to stay skinny, and I said "sure".  Her response, "How come? You are married."  Told you, she is wise beyond her years. Her younger sister and step-sister (blended family) are sweet as can be too and I enjoyed dancing to Katy Perry with them and talking about their crushes at school. So they have different interests but so much fun!

I love having a valentine today but I must say that some of my "single" valentines days were the best.  Hard to beat being surrounded by your best girlfriends celebrating singleness.  And by celebrating singleness, I mean watching the Notebook and drinking wine and crying with your best friends on V day.  Great college memory!

Good thing we like waffles

We are moving to Belgium!  Rob found out yesterday in a conference call with all of his fellow residents.  The lady leading the call said, "Captain Masterson, do you like waffles" and then proceeded to let him know that his next assignment will be in Belgium.  In November we ranked the available bases and Belgium was third on our list behind Germany and Italy.  We had a pretty good idea we were going to Europe but you never know with the Army!  We aren't sure where will be living yet or exactly what Rob will be doing, we just know it will be somewhere in Belgium for the next 3-4 years.

In honor of our future home, we ate waffles for dinner last night, they were so good.

Visitors are more than welcome- start planning your vacations now people!

New Year- New Do

Went from the blondest I have been in years to dark this week! Been wanting to for awhile and figured now was a good time! Liking it so far although I can tell it's going to fade super fast.  I will be using a box when that happens :) 

My 2012 project: Finish (aka start) making this wall my own.  Its the only normal colored wall in our house and our new "Masterson" sign needs some friends.  I just bought 4 frames at pottery barn for $40 total and they are amazing.  Can't wait to pick some pics and hang them up.  From there I will be on the lookout for some more items, the cheaper the better. 

And....here are some photos from Christmas in Colorado....

Attempt at family pic

The Broadmoor Hotel

Drive to Breckenridge