Friday musings on this & these.
Tags:These two : seriously cool and obviously quite the pair. One pulls hair + the other snuggles a little too tight. All in the name of love.
OTHER THINGS FOR TODAY
This book : resting on my nightstand is inspiring me in so many different ways.
These friends: gathering together again this weekend for renewal & creative rejuvenation & rest.
This excerpt : And specifically this quote, "Your armor is preventing you from growing into your gifts."
This layout : documenting Anna's first 7 days:

[ Creating Keepsakes August 2009 ]
This post : "love life, not stuff."
This class : encompassing me in so many good and challenging ways.
This thought : As I wind down tonight I am feeling really thankful for all of you out there who read, comment, send me emails and share you stories and struggles and questions and praise.
Thank you for being a part of my life's journey.


Comments
Sign in or sign up to comment.
105 comments
Can I tell you that that first photo is like a "BACK TO THE FUTURE" photo? Your beautiful children are total clones of the two of you. That could have been a picture of you and your husband years ago. You each have a "Mini Me." Precious pictures.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Love Anna's little fine, blonde hair! Love the quote - am purging stuff right now. Loving life and not stuff so much (which is hard for me).
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I love that first days layout so much! I have it listed as one of my must do layouts when our next one arrives.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Ali, I've been following your blog & truly enjoy your writing and photos and tips. Thanks for the "first seven days" layout inspiration. I plan to use it for granddaughter #2, due in early November. Blessings!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
That first picture of Anna & Simon is absolutely priceless. It gives me a picture in my head of a secure, genuinely happy family. Simon looks like he is such a super big brother. It seems like Anna has been with you forever, I can hardly believe that she is sitting up already. It seems like it was only yesterday that you were showing us little snippets of her bedroom and planning her arrival!
Everytime I open your blog up, I am inspired in all sorts of ways. Some that I have never thought possible, some that I have taken for granted and need to be reminded to make the absolute best of.
So with all that said, thank you Ali, for everything you do for me, without even knowing it.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I just wanted to tell you that your son reminds me of my son... he seems like a very kind, nurturing, soul. You have a beautiful family.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
These pictures of your kids are simply adorable!!!!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Anna has the most expressive face! It always makes me wonder what she's thinking about. You also must feel so blessed that Simon has taken to his role of big brother so well.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Ali- As usual, your post makes me smile! :) I love how you have captured the special and unique relationship of sibs that are a decent distance apart....My son and daughter are 8 years apart and they make me laugh and cherish every moment that they interact together. :)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Thank YOU Ali. Your posts are always full of inspiration! :D
Your baby is so grown up already! I really loved your layout with Anna's first seven days. Great idea!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
She's such a mini-Ali
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Aw.. so sweet...
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
OMG! I cannot believe how big Anna is already! So precious these 2 children of yours! What a gift it is to be able to share in your family's happiness! Thank you Ali for always giving us heartfelt glimpses into your life...thanks to Chris, Simon, Anna, Lily, and extended fam for being complicit! :)
You know me as Silly.Michelle. your #1 fan from TEXAS!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Great fun pics! And LOVE the layout of Anna's first week! Thanks for sharing!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
And THANK YOU right back at you for letting us come here and see your lovely family and for showing us your inspiring work and share stories of life. New week ahead - hope it will be another good one. =0)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Ali,
I just adore that top photo of Anna and Simon -- it is just SOOOO gosh, darn cute!!! I smile every time I see it :o)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Ali, such lovely pictures of your little ones! Thank you for sharing so much with us. I was pretty close to your neck of the woods this past weekend, participating in a wedding over in the Redmond area. Beautiful place!
Melissa
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Sorry that you were not at CKU Provo. Wanted to meet you to sign my books, I have them all. You inspire me so much!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I love see pictures of your family, especially the kids. It's amazing how much Anna & Simon look alike. Thank you for sharing.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
too adorable...and the layout is a recent favorite from CK - totally inspiring to me.
emily j.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.