Playing Catch Up

I know I was going to do our Chicago trip recaps this week, but I've been trying to get back in to work this week... it's been rough.

I know it's still July, but it feels like the summer is O-V-E-R.  I have exactly ONE MONTH until school starts again, and that just doesn't seem possible.  I feel like the students just left, but all of a sudden, we only have four weeks until they return and take over Bloomington.

On our agenda for the weekend is some time in the yard, pulling up all the dead stuff (the drought continues) and some time up in my craft room making some fun things that I've bought the supplies for, but never gotten around to making.

SO, Chicago recaps starting on Monday, but here's a couple of amazing pictures (especially amazing since they were taken with an iPhone) to get you excited  :-D

What's on your weekend schedule?  Happy Friday!!!

OOO... AHHH... A New Blog Header

I have always admired the blog headers that I see on other blogs.  Mine was SUPER boring and I've always wanted to change it but I just wasn't sure how!  Well, Google is always a good start, and I found a REALLY great tutorial on an EASY way to create a blog header here on Blissfully Domestic, and off I went!!!

It is by no means perfect, and there are still things I'd like to change about it, but it's an improvement and it really was an easy process, all on Picasa which is a great option for those of you who want to do this, but don't know how to use Photoshop.

My tip for you... keep the height of it short... my first attempt was too tall and took over the whole space "above the fold".  Nerd Moment... I know, that's a newspaper term, so I googled what the electronic version of the term is... good new for me, same term!  Here is the first version I made

My next planned venture... A BLOG BUTTON!!!  I think I'll give myself a little break before I start on that project  :)

So, what do you think?

For those of you who are bloggers, how did you create your header?

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Wedding Wednesday

The second I saw this on Pinterest, I wished I could go back in time and buy it for my flower girl... what an amazing gift, and what an amazing opportunity to be a special part of her big day down the road.

via

Although your 3-6 year old flower girl may not fully appreciate this right now, I bet her mom would and 20-or-so years down the line, I can see this little keepsake meaning everything to her.  Yes, it's kind of expensive, but I would have splurged for my cute little cousin who was SO in love with all things bride and wedding leading up to our big day last year.

You can check out all of my Wedding Wednesday pins on my Wedding Wednesday Pinterest Board!

Happy Hump Day!!!

A great way to celebrate life

A few weeks ago I mentioned that my mom's side of the family was getting together to say a final goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa.  I looked and looked for something to read and could not do anything that was good enough for them.  Nothing I read was right... until about 30 minutes before we got there.  I was reading through things on my phone and finally found the perfect thing to share.

I was the only one of the grandkids to read/share anything, but I'm so glad I did...



Borrowed from my cousin

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because  you have lived.  This is to have succeeded.     ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

After our time at the cemetery, we went back to my aunt and uncle's house and ate, and laughed and just spent time together... it was a great way to honor our family.



My cousin and his wife also announced at their baby shower on Sunday that their son's middle name would be Elliott... what a great tribute.

Grandma and Grandpa, you are missed...

Mingle Monday... whaaaaaaat????

I was visiting my blog buddy Stephanie over at The Vintage Modern Bride Wife and at the end of her post, I found a really interesting button.

I clicked on the button and I was instantly taken to a fun new blog that was hosting Mingle Monday.

Despite the fact that I've been blogging for multiple years now, I am still far far away from being a blogging expert.  I took a look at her post and visited some of the other blogs that are "participating" in Mingle Monday, and the whole idea of this mingling is AMAZING to me!!!

I'm always looking for new blogs and new blogging friends, so I'm hoping this creates some really great connections for me with some others in the blogging world.

So, check out the Life of Meg and join the party!!!