Emmanuel's Salon & Spa: My home away from home.

This is my job. What I grew up to be. This is life when I'm away from little Brady J.

I consult. I formulate color. I snip this. Texturize that. Twist this. Pin that. 

I use scissors, dryers, bowls, brushes, combs, pins, clips & foils.

I cocktail styling products.

I learn everyday.

I hear stories.

I keep secrets.

I'm a hairstylist. 

And I love everything about this dream job.

I've worked proudly at Emmanuel's Salon since October of 2008. 

**Thanks to Emily Hoffman for each picture in this post.**

We held hands, and walked together.

Today was a day spent perfectly with the boys.

Brian and Brady J brought me a flower.

Brady and I held hands and walked together.

I couldn't wait for this day!

We all went Christmas shopping.

We took a walk around the block with the pups, all while Brady talked and waved.

The Christmas tree is up and shining.

We spent time with Heather, Eric, Carley & Andrew last night to watch the game.

(although the score wasn't thrilling, the company & food were.)

I've learned a little more about my camera.

It's been one wonderful weekend.

All together.

Thanksgiving.

       His first Thanksgiving was enjoyable in every way. We spent time with loved ones, ate LOTS, and played outside in the sunshine. Brady J was a happy boy. We loved our day together! 

Mom & the Wild Child

Ellie & Josie 

Jack, Brian, Brady J, and Dear Ol' Dad.

It was a very Happy Thanksgiving, with full tummies & lots of laughs.

...and nighttime brought our our wild sides...

Shopping for 10 hours, Awake for 24 hours, 7 Stores, & Santa brought us special drinks, made us laugh, all while we stood in line anxious to claim our prizes...

One of which, I was threatened to be put for sale if I didn't bring home this special item he wanted so much! We had such a good time, I'll catch up on sleep one day, and hope to see a Christmas tree sparkling in the morning. The most wild & crazy time of year is here!

Let Tradition Begin.

          Here we are folks. It's time to acknowlege our blessings, and enjoy every wonderful minute of the holidays. Somehow, this year that's changed my life forever, is coming to such a bittersweet end. This was the year I became a mother. I remember laughing as the three of us walked into the hospital to deliver this baby. Brian, Andrew, and myself with Brady. I've been out-numbered from the beginning! The first night Brady J slept in another room, while I cried, and held his blanket. The first time he said "Mama", and today... he's taken his very first steps! Today it's hit me the very hardest. He's taken his first steps, he's dancing to music, and oh my goodness, the best year of my life is almost over!

        I know there are many more wonderful years with these boys ahead. This brings me to the special word "thankful". Thankful. Grateful. Content. Three words that the past year has made ever so meaningful. All the things I'm so grateful for, I could go on forever. Here are just a few.

I'm thankful for my two men, Brian & Brady J.

I'm thankful to see life in another light, because of my boys. 

I'm thankful for my supportive & loving family.

I'm thankful for the blessings God has given our family throughout the year. 

I'm thankful for the friends that will always be friends, no matter the time or distance between us.

I'm thankful for work. For the rewarding job, relaxed atmosphere, and wonderful owners of Emmanuel's.

I'm thankful for two precious dogs, who never knew they'd be best friends.

I'm thankful to live in a clean, safe neighborhood, full of wonderful people, fun people. 

I'm thankful for a warm home, warm bed, and Tazo Zen Tea.

....and the list goes on and on and on. 

  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We're spending the day with my family for lunch, strolling downtown together, and a little different tradition of dinner at the Poinsett. I can't wait to spend time with everyone together. Thanksgiving this year has a brand new meaning. My new life of being a mother has become such a dream come true. I'm more than thankful. I'm entirely grateful for the life He's blessed us with. Let us enjoy the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade snuggled in bed, our bellies full of delicious food, enjoying every second with the ones we love.... let us be thankful.

THANKFUL. GRATEFUL. CONTENT.

After a long day...

           After 6 hours of a Cosmetology Continuing Ed class in Spartanburg, I was more than ready to be comfortable at home. On a Sunday, it's one of the longest days of the year...but I was in great company! I love Emmanuel's Salon & Spa, and my entire stylist family. The day wasn't so bad, but it just seemed to be a little brighter when I walked through my door...

   

As you see, Brian is child-locking more cabinets...

And Brady is happy because that's just Brady.

Finding myself.

     My sweet boy has had a long week. Which means we've had a HECK of a long week. These new teeth are making their appearance rather slowly. Must be payback. This angel child has had his first fussy week. It had to happen. I've never seen a baby so happy all the time, at some point the fussiness was bound to set in. With fussiness comes curiosity, so Brady has found a new name for himself. George. Toilet paper has been pulled off the roll, switches are on and off, and new unlocked cabinets have been opened. This child has become a hurricane. With everything I think MUST be done, this is such an inconvenience chasing this child up, down, and around the house...

     But as I was giving him his bath, and rocking him to sleep, I've realized just how selfish I've been to complain in any way about this healthy baby boy with all this energy. It can be frustrating, exhausting, and even emotional to follow little footsteps around for 12 hours. Sometimes with no nap at all. It takes everything out of you. But the most frustrating thing, is when it's looked upon as irresponsible when my child is put as my first priority. Being a mother is responsibility. I believe even small experiences and interactions with people will help you learn more about yourself. I don't apologize, and never will, that my sweet boy comes before my work, my schedule, and anyone who dares to challenge that. 

     Learning more and more everyday from unexpected challenges that are thrown my way. Each day can be a learning experience if you're open to the thought. That's how we grow. This week, I'm so thankful for all the women in my life who understand and listen when I need that moment of rest. 

We're starting a new week tomorrow. The week of Thanksgiving. Let us be thankful for every blessing in life. The blessings that help us grow, connect with one another, and learn a little more about ourselves every step of the way. 

   This week, I've practiced patience & I've given LOTS more kisses than usual. 

Brady found our special cabinet. Next thing I know, he was holding a martini glass. Even he knew how much his crazy mom needed a break. ;)

Confessions from Mom.

He was mine all mine for the weekend.

     This weekend was quite different in every way than all the others. Brian left to go on his annual camping trip with friends. I know he looks forward to this. Camping, fires, food, beer, and who knows what they talk about... but this was a weekend I looked forward to, too. 

    Friday night, we had a date night planned for dinner possibly, and a concert. Just the two of us. The concert was canceled... Which means Brian was to leave earlier for his trip, and I had a surprise date with my sweatpants. I wasn't heartbroken. My dad brought Mexican food over, and as soon as I put little Brady to sleep, we ate like piggies. It was so nice to visit with him, and know the rest of the night I had all to myself!! I had a big bed with my name on it. And a tv remote that tonight, was tuning into whatever I wanted. I fell asleep to Alice in Wonderland. 

    Saturday, Brady and I shopped a little for some Christmas decorations, and visited with Aunt B, Anna & Ava. We had our whole day together. Just how I liked it! Saturday night came along, and a couple of very loved friends came by to visit! Heather and I wanted to eat horribly (again)...so we ordered a large pizza... watched two movies...and I was in heaven. I needed this. (It's been over a year since I've watched a movie. And it's seemed even longer with a night with the girls!)

     Then I heard a cry. Brady never wakes up like this...he was sick. So sick. This is the first time I've ever been up all night with a sick baby. I did anything to keep him from screaming. This meant he fell asleep web browsing on my phone, shredding tissues all over the bed, and flopping like a fish out of water for hours through the night. Exhausted beyond belief. All while teething. But I did it. Alone. And I said a prayer for every mother in the world that handles this with no help at all. 

     Brian made it home safely, and I've been in my pajamas since... I wont say when. Both my dad and father in law brought me breakfast and everything I needed to get Brady well. All I know, is through the weekend, I learned a lot.  I've learned to keep medicine on hand just in case, to thank the Lord everyday for giving me a loving and helpful husband, and that help from family is what keeps our family so strong. This weekend makes me realize just how much moms do. We can do the impossible. This is nothing. Only the beginning! He's 10 months old and and I have no idea what lies ahead... 

I'm thankful for this guy here. He rushed home early from the mountains to be with us.

(Even had an awesome story to tell when he got home...)

    

       

      

    

        

Boys and Dirt.

      ~ On Tuesday, we took a few minutes away from the chaos of running errands and folding laundry to get some fresh air and enjoy this crisp fall air!  Brady crawled around in dirt, crackled leaves, and was happy as could be. Just like his daddy. A little playtime never hurt anyone. ~

What Brady Gets for Christmas...

His Two Front Teeth!

    Today, my sweet child turns 10 months old. Another day to remind me just how fast time is flying by. This child brings me happiness like I've never felt before. You can't create, buy, or find this happiness yourself. It's nothing but a blessing from above!  I don't have the words to explain what this boy means to us. 

     So today, turning 10 months, we also celebrated another milestone. Someone is finally cutting teeth! And it's not the small bottom teeth. It's the boy's TWO FRONT TEETH! How cute this is going to be! I'm pretty sure there will be a big gap in between, too, which is even more adorable :)

    Our little man makes me smile. When I have any free time at all away from home... I usually catch myself looking through pictures, or watching videos of his fun little self.  This, my friends is what I've been missing. This precious soul! He's been with us almost a whole year. And this year, has been the happiest year of my life. From the first smile and giggle to high fives, headbutting, and clapping when we say "Tigers!"....these small things bring us so much joy. 

       

Happy 10 Months, Brady J.

You're so loved.

    

    

Holiday Beginnings.

He was a Tiger for Halloween.

Go figure!

But he didn't like the hat...

   This is only the very beginning of the most magical time of year. Where things sparkle, shine and everything seems to be sweet. (By this, I mean there's plenty of chocolate everywhere you turn...) With Halloween being only two days behind us, I'm getting myself ready for the holidays. I'm ready for decorating, music, baking, candles, wrapping, hot chocolate, and my big knit throw. I've printed recipes for dreamy sweet things... things like Double Dark Chocolate and Ginger Biscotti. Sugar Doughnut Muffins. YES, you know this sounds great. But, this year, Christmas will be completely different. It's his very first Christmas! This means Christmas pajamas, lights, and snuggle time near the fire with Brian & Brady. And the pups, of course. It makes my heart melt just thinking about it! I can't wait to share all the magic with him! He may get a few toys (just may.) But I'm most excited to see his eyes when we light up the tree. I can't wait to wake up Christmas morning with him. It's Santa's first visit this year you know. Hopefully he won't go overboard. 

    Another thing I'm giddy about is New York City! There's one place I must see and this is it.

NYC is amazing, exciting, and everything you can imagine. 

I know this only from the three days I've visited.

-Rockefeller Center-

 What I wish most for this Christmas is that we spend time with our family. And as much time as we can! I don't need gifts, I just want time with my family. There is nothing in the entire world more wonderful than falling asleep by the crackling fire. (May not be the safest thing...) 

So far, I haven't bought any gifts. Just golden sparkle wrapping paper.

-Bring on the holidays-