trip holding your hand...

moving!

2010-01-22T18:44:00.001-08:00

Okay, so after many failed attempts, i'm officially moving this operation to ......

www.tripholdingyourhand.tumblr.com

Yay... see you there!

AB

Joy...

2010-01-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

joy in the face of tragedy...

please pray also for kids in Haiti, pray for food, for warmth, for a place to sleep, for loving arms. Pray they feel their Savior's presence. Pray for Aaron Ivey and his family tonight as they bring Amos home! I know God is big and has big plans for each of us, pray that He will show us each how we can help in a radical, bigger than ourselves kind of way.

get your groupon...

2009-12-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

so, I just heard about groupon at work today. Not sure if I'm just coming in late in the game or what, but this is such a fun idea. You go to the site here, pick your city and each day there is a featured deal. May be dance lessons, spa treatments, restaurant discounts, concerts, plays, etc... you only get the deal if enough people sign up for the day ie... good the the business because more people find out about them and good for us because we get good deals on goodies... anyways, check it out for yourself, i think you'll like it too.

Fanfarlo and Holiday joy...

2009-12-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

i have the worse christmas decor envy right now. These pictures are from Katie (Katiedid) and her husband's adorable Brooklyn apartment. Such a beautiful simple idea, I'm going to steal it for next year shamelessly. I want to live at their house... seriously... be sure to also follow her link to see their decorations from last year, its actually inspiring me to tie branches to our walls and just leave them there forever.

I have been struggling to muster up some Christmas spirit this year because i'm working on Christmas day and all weekend. the joys of being the new kid at the office i guess. anyways, even though its been colder than usual for texas in december and we even had snow... i have not been feeling very festive, joyful or really excited about the big day. but I have found a few things so far this holiday season that are helping me to kick the "bah humbugs"...

1. New baby niece Reese... with middle name Anne... so of course i'm in love already...

2. Fanfarlo-not a holiday album, but lovely non the less
3. The occasional peppermint mocha
4. Being able to wear my new boots from Rome almost daily
5. Wrapping paper from mari-mi

Short update for now, hoping to get back into the swing of the blog for the new year... hopefully lots of change in store for the Booths in 2010... Happy Holidays! AB

Waiting for Corben...

2009-09-26T10:33:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was spent in baby land with the girls as we helped Robin prepared for baby Corben's arrival, the first little bundle that we have will to our little group of women. We unpacked gifts, washed sheets and tiny outfits and tried to help put everything in its place before the big day. I loved getting to spend time with these girls that God has graciously put into my life. We have shared laughter and tears and have had our share of disagreements, but more than anything we have shared love, acceptance and encouragement. Now, we wait until the little man makes his debut and we rejoice in the gift and incredible miracle of making new life. Here's to a new chapter!

Treats from NYC!

2009-09-25T20:48:00.001-07:00

Treats brought back from my sweet when he came home from this week's trip to the big apple! He also brought me a super cute top from H&M (he has way better style than me and attempts to keep me well dressed...). Anyways, I've been eyeing this adorable Oliver & S pattern called the Jump Rope dress for weeks now and ryan got me my very own copy from Purl in SoHo! Can't wait to try it out! Love love, AB

Phone blogging...

2009-09-25T16:46:00.001-07:00

So I've been trying for maybe a year to wrap mind around blogging from my phone... How do I do it? Which app? Is there anything important enough to actually blog about from a phone? So, once again I'm giving it a go. If this little thing can't upload pictures that actually look like pictures then I'm finally calling it quits, but here goes one final test run...

Ps... Don't mind olive, she's pouting...

For Lauren...

2009-09-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

This post is for Lauren... did you have a baby and not tell me? How could this child have not come from your womb?? love you.

P.S. For everyone else... this video nearly brought me to tears... yeah, the laughing kind... enjoy! AB

under the tuscan sun...

2009-09-01T10:45:00.001-07:00

so if there is one thing that is good about my parents living abroad it is this... WE ARE GOING TO ITALY!!

We are going to see this...

and this...

and this...

all while carrying this and looking super cool and adventure-like...

In t-minus four week, ryan and I will fly from Houston to London to Rome to meet my parents for an Italian adventure through Tuscany, then back to Rome. Ryan has been traveling all over the world these past three years while I've been in graduate school, but most of the time, I have not been able to join. I'm super excited to get to travel together again, with the added bonus of getting to hang out with my Mom and Dad who are quite the adventurers themselves. My parents are actually totally showing us up because they are spending a week in Paris before we arrive to meet them in Rome. (I can feel the jealousy rising up... I miss my beloved Paris!) So until then, I'll be reading up on my Rick Steve's Europe through the Backdoor and Rome travel guides to wet my appetite for the things to come. If any of you have been to Italy and have any suggestions for "must-dos" or "must-see's" I'd love to hear them!

In other news, we had a whirlwind month in August with Mom being home for three weeks, baby showers, and work. We found out that Brian and Mary are having a little girl, to arrive in early December, and Ryan's sister Karla had a new baby boy named Charlie who we get to go meet in northern California this weekend! (he has red hair, and I'm already in love!) Both of these two new appearances plus a few friends with little ones of their own on the way, have given me a great excuse to attempt my first quilting projects. I'm starting slow, just small baby quilts with no piecing required, but I'm still completely intimidated by the whole process. Especially the binding of the edges. I'm now equipped with my very own self-healing OLFA cutting mat, rotary fabric cutter and ruler, but I'm not sure exactly how to use any of them. I've been completely inspired by Katie's go-to quilt featured on her blog KatieDid. Its simple, clean and looks comfy and worn in which I love. We'll see how my version turns out...

So, that's all for now, I've been bag about keeping up with blog land these past weeks, but until Italy I'll try my hardest to keep you posted. I think that soon I'll be combining this blog with my craft/sewing/knitting blog PurlGurl just to simplify life a bit. Love to you all, be back soon. AB

cartoons and forever plans...

2009-08-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

so that has nothing to do with anything other than I can't get that Maria Taylor song out of my head these days... a good summer ditty literally "midomi'ed" (a term I used for when I find out the name of a song using midomi on my iphone ) from anthro earlier this summer. anywhoo... things have been good and busy lately (hence the total blog neglect) Mom came home from Africa two weeks early which was super super exciting, but a little sad too thinking about my Dad being over there by his lonesome. But I've loved having Mom close by and its been amazing how much more relaxed I feel in general just knowing that she is here. Isn't that amazing how Mom's can have that effect on us?? That's why they should not move to far away lands I think... yes yes yes

Work has been slightly less panicky lately. I'm slowly getting more independent feeding itties even the tough itty bitties who cry and vomit are becoming slightly less intimidating to me. I figure I'm bigger than them, so I should really learn to not be afraid of them right?? But seriously, you would be afraid too if you walked into a room and listened to this for an hour...

Okay, maybe not that last one... but you might think so with the wails that come out of these tiny bodies... But overall, I've had a good couple of weeks with no major disasters or panic attacks which is a major improvement in my mind. (Slight overexaggeration... it hasn't really been that bad :))

I've been also really craving some project time lately. I was able to sew Dylan the cutest tiny pair of big boy pj pants a few months ago, but since then haven't really had any time for sewing projects. I have several friends and two sisters in law about to have itties of their own this fall and I'm really wanting to make them something. I have this weird thing about homemade gifts, and also making homemade gifts that don't look homemade/ that you would want even if someone hadn't made it for you. Soooo, any ideas?? My friend Katrina just made a super cute baby blanket that I might try to copy... see it here I'd love any other thoughts from new Moms that have received something that they really liked, thought was cool, or have found to be invaluable. Love you guys... AB

... to you...

2009-07-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

HIM'S IS THE BEST! Happy Birthday to the mountain taming, film making, life loving, adventure seeking, storm calming love of my life. Happy 28 RB.

regina spektor.

2009-07-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

just found regina spektor... and LOVE her. Ryan and I have passes to go see the screening of 500 days of Summer tomorrow night, so I was watching the trailer and finally decided to do a little detective work to find out who the opening song was by. Lo and Behold... regina. So here's an awesome music video of her song "us" that is featured in the trailer. Enjoy.

P.S. I have this new growing love and facination with music videos lately... could this be a late response to growing up with no MTV?? Or maybe just the effect of living with a music recording, film making husband for almost five years... either way i'm intrigued.

happy birthday to me... from ryan

2009-07-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Anne from Ryan Booth on Vimeo.

Sooo... it just happens that my husband makes movies... and this year, in honor of my b-day, he made one for me. To read the incredibly sweet post he did for me, please read here... thanks for all the love today peeps. oh, and definitely watch this movie he made of us watching fireworks last weekend... incredible, and very beautiful, I couldn't tear my eyes away. He's pretty amazing...

Fireworks from Ryan Booth on Vimeo.

i went down to the burning ring of fire...

2009-07-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is what our apartment feels like this morning... our A/C went out late last night so we awakened in a pool of sweat... the joys of a Texas summer...

skype = love

2009-06-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

I heart skype right now... so much! having mom and dad leave for libya last week has been such a sad, stressful, overwhelming change. I haven't even really known what to think or feel about it. We have known for several months that it was a possibility that they would move and for several weeks that they were really going, but for some reason it just didn't sink in until they were on the plane and gone... I mean Africa??! Who's parents move to Africa? I'm finding out now, that more people than you would think have moved abroad especially recently when jobs in the U.S. have been few and far between. Anyways, skype has been giving me the precious and miraculous ability to "see" my mom and dad from so far away. Even though I can't pick up the phone to chat whenever I feel like , in some way, being able to see their faces and new guesthouse room while we're talking almost makes up for it. Whoever created this amazing program... THANK YOU! A million times! I want to give you a kiss on the face! Now if only I could figure out a way to find a job in Africa or Southern Italy so that the miles between would be a little less... love love, ab

Mom & Dad

2009-06-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hey lovelies... for any of who are waiting on word about my Mom & Dad's arrival in Africa here's a little update...

They left on Monday afternoon and headed to London for a short layover before their flight to Tripoli Libya.
We have heard that they arrived safety, but their luggage has not appeared yet. It probably did not make it through customs in London fast enough to get aboard their next flight, so hopefully it will be arriving sometime today. My Dad now has a company computer that they will be able to use for checking and sending emails and hopefully talking via Skype for now. So go ahead and email them if you get a chance, I know they'd love to hear from you. You can email me too, if you need more info. Love to you all! AB

"away we go"

2009-06-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

this movie is killing me... ryan sent me a text to the trailer last week and we've been dying to see it. It seems like a tribute to our lives right now in some way. Hopefully it will live up to my hopes. Ryan is away, backpacking in Colorado this week and low and behold, I got tickets to the free screening for last night... ah! I almost, almost went without him, but being the sweet wife that I am (wink) I'm waiting for him to get home... I'm not really the patient type, so i feel fairly sacrificial about it... hehehe... anyways, it looks lovely, I can't wait to see it. Enjoy... amb

p.s. don't you just LOVE jim from the office?? I heart him a lot...

Fifi Lapin...

2009-06-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm completely loving the sweet drawings by fifi lapin! I discovered them through the Kindred website which has great free wallpaper downloads for your desktop. Its a great project in and of itself, but after downloading the wallpaper by Fifi Lapin, I just had to go take a peek at her blog! I am mesmerized by this collection of cool, sweet sketches of fifi and her crew. Take a looksie for yourself! Here are a few for your viewing pleasure!

picnik...

2009-05-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

Just tried out this totally fun photo editing site called picnik as recommended by EZ from creaturecomforts... Its a great, and super easy way to edit pictures, crop corners, and "cutsy-fy" then for blog presentation. I've really been wanting to update the blog with a new header, new layout, and possibly switch over to wordpress finally so that I can upload larger images and collage type files. This program may be just what I need to push me over the edge. I'll upload a cute pic of Dylan I took with my phone at the grocery store a few months back... would you ever think this came off of a phone? I didn't think so! I think you should give it a try yourself for free here.

a little laugh for you...

2009-05-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

... this is my mom at age 2 maybe??... poor kitty

seriously, my mom is the biggest animal lover I know and wouldn't hurt a fly, but this is too funny!

Process

2009-05-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Saw this great behind the scenes video on EZ's blog Creature Comforts... once again a daily source of inspiration and loveliness! Its about Kim Westad and her beautiful ceramic pottery. It made me think of Mel who has recently started a ceramics class of her own and I know will soon be creating beautiful handmade things! Now that I spend most of my days getting up early and staying indoors with a fairly strict routine, I long for the quiet of a potter's wheel, soft knitting in my lap, a great book, or the rhythm of my sewing machine. For five minutes I felt calm and happy watching Kim's "process". I hope you all take a little break from the day and enjoy! luv, ab

cute as a button...

2009-05-05T20:07:00.001-07:00

these are inspiring me to bake! And eat of course! Cutest cookies of all time as seen on the blahblahblagh ... and you can find the recipe here!

YAY for Giveaways... hehe that rhymes...

2009-05-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

Creature Comforts is hosting another great giveaway! So be sure to go over to her blog and enter to win this super cute necklace by Annie and Imogene! Or you can blog about it yourself for a double change to win! Even though it would be a tad late, this necklace would make a perfect mother's day gift for my mom this year. She is moving to northern Africa next month and I could just see her wearing this as she walked along the coast of the Mediterranean sea! Plus it would be something meaningful that she could bring from home that would remind her of us kids and that wouldn't take up much room in her moving suitcases! Thanks EZ for another great contest! You're the best!

cooper in love...

2009-05-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

i love this... i wish someone would bend my antennae into a heart... delightful.
In other news... apparently my hospital has become the center of attention this week thanks to piggie flu...
Mom and Dad are still moving to Lybia in June and I've decided that we must plan our first family rendeveux in Italy, possibly Greece for mid fall... Anyone been to either one of these places and have any suggestions for places to stay/things to see??
Does it really look like this??

Lastly, but not leastly...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my big brother B... I LOVE YOU & I'm glad that you were borned!
HAPPY almost BIRTHDAY to my baby brother J... I LOVE YOU & I'm glad that you were borned too!

pretty imac

2009-04-28T15:15:00.001-07:00

this pretty iMac is now sitting in our living room... yay for finally having a "family" computer! I'm excited too for video chatting now that mom and dad are moving to Libya this summer. Most days I find myself wishing I was born in the days wear women still wore only dresses and knit socks... but today I'm happy to be in the 21st century... thank you mac... i heart you. ab

mel + etsy goodness

2009-04-21T13:47:00.001-07:00

completely stole this from mel's blog, but I agree that they are the cutest slippers I've seen in a long time! Please go visit Elephant & Chickpea's etsy shop and browse all of the styles for endless fun. At Mel's suggestion, I'm seriously considering these for mother's day gifts this year... so fun. xoxo ab

life is for sharing...enjoy

2009-04-21T11:28:00.001-07:00

yum yum food is good...

2009-04-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Sooo, now that I'm working i have about zero energy for cooking, grocery shopping and other domestic like tasks that used to be so much fun for me. But I've been blog surfing today (my day off, YAY!) and came across this lovely little blog with great shared recipes called Denise's kitchen. I don't know Denise, but found this site linked from Katrina and Brad's blog, GO TRINA! Anyways, I've been reading the recipes and they sound not only amazingly tasty, but also pretty quick and easy which is essential around the Booth house. I wanted to pass in along to you my friends because I know all of us can get stuck in a rut when it comes to cooking so that I thought that we could all use some inspiration! Enjoy and THANK YOU DENISE & CO for the yummy recipe collection!

In other news, we have been doing well. Easter was especially fun because John and Susie have been in town from San Francisco this week. Its been so good to hang out with the whole fam and catch up with our California crew. I'm so jealous hearing all of their amazing west coast city life stories!! I'm anxious to visit soon so they can show us all of their favorite restaurants, shops, sites etc... They are so fun and cute and California like, I love it!

I have been so bad about taking pictures lately. I think I have some new ones of my phone of Olive, but seriously, I have this great new camera and its just sitting on the counter in its cute purple case... I promise to be better soon, until then I'll leave you with this great tip for all of you iphone users... download the "toy camera" app. It takes the coolest, sort of vintage looking pics on your phone. (i'll upload a few below) The effect changes on a cycle, so its pretty fun to see how the picture will turn out. If you decide to give it a try, send me your cute creations! love for now, ab

week six...

2009-04-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

work is killing my blog life!... i promise to soon try to catch you up with my current crazy life and think of something witty or cute to talk about on this bloggety mcblog, but until then much love to all my blog peeps... I'm still here, just worked to the bone, xoxo ab

it has arrived!

2009-03-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

ryanbooth.net is up and running... check out this beautiful site! love, ab

date night date night

2009-03-26T17:05:00.001-07:00

off to my very first date night with hubs... yes after four years we've finally going to give this a try... working completely takes the spontaneity out of life... but alas! date night is born! xoxox abn

weekend laughs!

2009-03-08T09:41:00.001-07:00

hahaha... a few laughs for you this weekend... enjoy!

Week two!

2009-03-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

So far, week two has been off to a pretty good start, well I guess more than a start because today is thursday, but you know what i mean.... I'm remembering where things are and starting to feel more like a "real" employee rather than feeling like I'm still in student mode. I've been with mostly itty bittys for the past few days, but today I got to see some of the older rehab kids which i love doing. As much as I am completely happy feeding a baby, I really really love working with teenagers. I love being able to ask them how they are feeling, joke around with them, make them laugh. Its so fun and I feel like when I help them out of bed, or teach them a new way to do something it really matters and makes their life easier amongst so much stress and suckiness of being sick. Anyways, it was a fun day which is pretty great to get to say about working. I'm starting to feel like I'm really going to enjoy my work most days which is such a good feeling. Oh! And I found out that one day per week I'll be doing therapy in the pool which I'm excited about! I've never done this before, so I have a lot to learn, but I think that it will be a great way to break up the week and try something different. I'm all set with my new navy and red one piece TYR swimsuit and I start next wednesday with training... I'll let you know how it goes.

In other news, Ryan and I have been busily seeing free movie screenings lately. We have a system down and its amazingly efficient. In fact, we usually have free tickets to 2-3 movies per week if we would like, its just a matter of choosing which ones to go to! This week we have seen "The Watchmen" which was LONG!!! Super LONG!!! And sort of comic bookie with a weak plot, but lots of blowing people up and pouring hot oil on their faces sort of stuff (I was not a fan... ryan and pat enjoyed it i think, maybe its a guy thing), but last night we went to see "Sunshine Cleaning" with Amy Adams (who I love!) and Emily Blunt (who I also love!), and I LOVED it! Cute indy movie about two sisters down on their luck and their biohazard/crime scene cleaning business... oh yes, it is good, definitely go see it when its out in theaters! We have tickets to a third screening tonight, but I think we may have had enough for one week.

Sooo... i'm settling into this new pace and schedule and doing pretty well for the most part. I'm missing my morning walk with the doggers and ryan to the bagel shop, followed by leisurely days of reading, movies, blogging and fun, but I'm happy to finally join the world of working adults. More to come... love amb

week one...

2009-02-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

So... i made it through week one of work! YAY! After feeling slightly overwhelmed, tired and unsure of myself, i've maybe moved over into the "i think i'm going to be okay" zone. Today I'm actually remembering my way around a little, remembering the computer system... a little, and feeling fairly positive about working life in general (this is probably because i don't have to go for the next few days but what can i say?)

I still think that TCH is an absolutely awesome hospital with awesome kids and I'm excited to be starting out in such a fast-paced, world renown environment. I know that I am going to (and already have ) learn so much that I would never be exposed to in other facilities and I'm really thankful for that!! I'm excited to see what will happen along the way.

So, to celebrate week one, Ryan and I are going with friends to Fuzzy's Pizza (a fav of ole' George and Babs Bush around Houston)! I'll eat a slice of delicious cheesy goodness for you! AB

I'm official!

2009-02-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

Just got my official Texas OT license in the mail today! YAY! I guess that means I officially have to start Monday, although i'm actually getting pretty excited about being a "real" adult now with a "real" job for the first time in my life. I know this feeling will probably wear off way too quickly, but for today I'm thankful to have work during a time where so many people don't. And to all my friends that have been steadily working their bums off since college... hats off to you! You are my heros! love love, amb

P.S. Got a haircut today, still evaluating the outcome... pics to come.

Tuesday...Wednesday...on to Thursday...

2009-02-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

So... my daily blogging hasn't really worked out has it?? Whoops! Anyways, I did want to report that I've still been trying to have the maximum amount of fun this week even though Houston has been dishing out a huge portion of gross, gray dismal weather for the past few days! We decided to ignore the weather and take Olive on several long walks in the drizzle. I think that she actually really likes it (everything must smell like mud, which she likes to eat if allowed... double gross). We've also been searching hard for a little house or duplex to rent in the heights but up to this point have not been super successful. We decided that this is why people just stay where they are for better or worse, because house hunting is such a totally pain in the butt. So our little cramped apartment is starting to look better and better, but we'll see what happens.

As far as my list goes, I have accomplished a few things... I bought a cute pair of gray/hot pink tennis shoes to go with the two ugly pairs of green scrub pants I had to buy for next week. I think they might be a little "scary" bright, but Ryan said they are fun, so what the hey, its a children's hospital right?? Where else can you wear hot pink shoes! And while we were at the shoe store, I found the cutest tiny pair of New Balance on sale for Dylan! Seriously, they are so cute, I wish I could fit my giant foot into them! I LOVE nieces and nephews! The perfect excuse to buy tiny baby things! I put up a picture next to my new shoes so that you can see how itty they are.

Oh, and Ryan and i went to a movie on Tuesday night, one of our favorite things to do. We saw the International at the Angelica downtown. I LOVE this movie theater, even on a friday night, its possible to be two of only about 20 or so people in the audience which makes the show much more enjoyable in my opinion. On Tues. Ryan and I were the only ones in the theater until about ten minutes into the show when two other couples showed up. I was bummed because we've never actually pulled off being the only ones in the theater for a whole show and i was getting excited about it. The movie was okay, Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 50% I think and that was about right. Entertaining, but not at all unique or surprising... still fun, especially when eating 10,000 lbs of popcorn and gigantic cherry coke with cute hubs.

We also celebrated my Dad's birthday last night (Happy Birthday Dad!). We went out for barbecue with the fam and had a great time. I even made red velvet cupcakes (Dad's fav) from a kit I found at William Sonoma. Apparently Sprinkles cupcakes are a big deal in L.A. (I had no idea), but the little kit was super easy to make and tasted yum, so I would definitely use it again...

I should have blogged this stuff right afterwards, because I know that I'm leaving out so much, but what can I say, I'm a lazy blog girl. Today its actually beautiful and sunny outside, so I'm going to go sit in the sunshine and read, then possibly sew something small and easy to finish later. Three days and counting...

love, amb

On to Spring!

2009-02-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

A lovely little picture for you today (found on weheartit via ohhellofriend)

Monday Funday...

2009-02-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

Today we...
1. Took a bike ride to Rice Village to Einstein Bagel shop for a bagel and coffee

2. Drove around the Heights searching for rent houses, finding a few possibilities, viewing a few cute ones...
3. Stopped at Dry Creek Cafe, sister shop of Onion Creek one of our favorite local places to eat (sooo Texas cute)
4. Shared a "West Coast" burger and fries (delicioso!) and hand squeezed lemonade (a whole carafe fun!!)

5. Spotted the first blue bonnet of spring!
6. Visited the Heights Public Library and checked out two books: Lovely Bones and 3 Willows in order to finish # 3 below...
7. Home to settle in for the night with O-dog... more to come tomorrow!

week-o-fun...

2009-02-15T12:03:00.001-08:00

Since this is the first day of my last week of true "non-working" freedom, I've decided to try to do at least one purely fun and hopefully unique thing each day this week until I start working next monday. I am starting to think of a few ideas myself, but I'd love for you guys to put in your two cents as well! Then I'll post some pictures of my mini-adventures as we go along! Sound fun?? Yes, i thought you would think so... So send me your best and favorite things to do and I'll get busy checking them off the list! YAY!!... amb

Things I'm already considering...
1. Take O-dog back to Galveston for the afternoon- watch and laugh while she runs away from birds/waves
2. Sew something on the maching including trip to fabric store for goodies and supplies
3. Go to park, sit in sun and read totally mindless book for at least 2 hours (CHECK!)
4. Go see Body Worlds at Natural Science Museum ($25 each for tickets! BOO)
5. Shop for the cutest possible yet still comfy tennis shoes to wear with hideous hunter green scrubs (CHECK!)
6. Get haircut (this is way overdue and maybe not totally eligible for the fun list, but definitely enjoyable) (CHECK!)
7. Massage? (maybe too expensive, but a lovely thought... maybe just talk ryan into a long backrub)
8. ???

Off to the DP (dog park) with O+R... the fun begins now!

p.s. happy heart day...

2009-02-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

image found on le love via Oh Hello friend

a smile for all my peeps out there on valentines day... love it or hate it, i hope you have a good one.... amb

PASSED!!!!

2009-02-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

I just got online and found out that I PASSED the OT boards!!! Yea for passing and Yea for NEVER taking a test ever again!!! Just wanted to let you guys know! Thanks for all of the support! love love, amb

My newest brilliant idea!

2009-02-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

I've decided that we must, yes must have a french bulldog! I think that olive would adore having a little buddy to run around with and getting another boston makes me want to possibly go insane (so much energy stored up in those little creatures). Anyways, I have already named the aforementioned frog dog Napoleon... Olive and Napoleon... can you get much cuter than that??

So Ryan and I have been looking online at the Frenchie rescue organizations and are throwing around the idea of adopting an older frenchie rather than go through that puppy thing again. They are amazingly cute little, but oh so much work! We'll see what happens over the next few months.

The adorable pictures above are from thebellabellaco's flickr stream which I love! She is the author of the blahblahblahg hosting this month's brightside project! You'll love her photos and site, I promise.

Last thing... I've also decided that I want to try an etsy shop. And I've decided that my lovely husband should supply me with beautiful photography prints to sell (lucky him...). So hopefully soon we'll have some up for your to see.

walls...

2009-02-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

In the midst of searching for a rent house to move into, Ryan and I have also decided to finally finally hang some things up on our bare walls! I know this doesn't make since if we are considering moving, but we've been here over 2 years and I'm just tired of looking at the nakedness even if its just for a few more weeks... Anyways, I'm thinking about trying to put together a collage of photography prints, letterpress signs and gocco for our bedroom wall and so far here are some of the possibilities. Let me know what you think and which ones you like. I'm also trying to decide what I like in a bigger size because I want to print a large image to frame for over the bed...

In no particular order...

this is absolutely amazing...

2009-02-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

Attention all blog girls! You must, just must go immediately to this site and get started registering for the daily (yes daily) giveaways during the brightside project! To many cute things to count and is will continue everyday for an entire month. Perfect reason to blow time on the internet and possibly get some cute goodies in return!

a day at the museum...

2009-02-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

Ryan surprised me today with a trip to the Houston Museum of Fine Art! We grabbed lunch at the museum Cafe Express and then went exploring through the exhibits (Thursdays are free too!). I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you. I'm pretty sure that we were allowed to take pictures (with no flash), but the museum lady still followed me around the whole time giving me these scary, evil looks like I was about to touch something or break something... not sure why. Anyways, we had a good time. I always feel good when we cross something off of our "to do while in Houston" list, especially since its been shameful that we've lived within walking distance from the museum district for 2 and a half years now and hadn't taken advantage of it! So here are a few beautiful pieces.

"The Corn Poppy" by Kees Van Dongen, 1919... inspired by the "flapper days" of Paris.

"Rue Ravignan, Paris" by Maximilien Luce, 1893

"Interior" by Jozsef Rippl-Ronai, 1909

Enjoy! AMB... oh and wish us luck! We are going house hunting (to rent, not buy...) in the Heights this evening... fun fun!

1 in 8 million...

2009-02-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

A beautiful collection of stories about New Yorkers done by the Times... Ryan and I just spent quite a while watching these, I'm sure you'll love them too. One of our very favorite things over the years has been listening to radio interviews and short journalistic storytelling pieces. Some of our all-time favorites come from This American Life (Chicago Public Radio)

a laugh for the day...

2009-02-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

the cutest, funniest video of this kid coming home from the dentist... love it... "is this real life??"

DONE!!!

2009-01-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

Four hour long national board exam... check! Let's hope that I've passed because I seriously can't imagine taking that thing again. First of all I had to show three forms of identification and be fingerprinted just to get into the stupid thing! I don't know who they thing would actually sneak in to take a test like that if they didn't have to. Anyways... thank you friends and family for praying for me and thinking about me thing morning. I could feel you cheering me on! And thank you to both Rach and Robin who BOTH told me to kick the test's ass! Which was hysterically funny and made me feel confident and loved! Since this morning, I've been enjoying my newfound mental freedom and I'm so thankful to have a few more weeks before I have to do anything too productive. Maybe I'll actually get to sew a little and try knitting again slowly but surely, that is if my arms don't fall off! Tonight we are going to the store to put together a housewarming present for the newlywed Carters and go to a free movie! Sounds completely delightful. All for now, AB

"The Girls" @ LEK's Wedding Festivities

2009-01-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

what a weekend... uh... week

2009-01-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

tomorrow is the dreaded day! I wake at 6 am to get ready and rush out the door to take my NBCOT exam for four... yes four hours. I have yet to pass one of the practice tests and the practice computer program continues to politely tell me that I am deficient in every area of occupational therapy knowledge and practice... thanks... Anyways, tomorrow at noon or hopefully slightly before, I will be done with this crazy thing and that at least is a refreshing thought.

I have so much more to blog about including sweet lauren's wedding, the attack of the killer stomach bug the night before lauren's wedding, knitting, working, and much more. All of these lovely stories will be posted after my life returns to a steady hum tomorrow afternoon. Love to all, AB.

wanna...

2009-01-15T12:57:00.001-08:00

ryan and i made an agreement a long time ago that I could spend my 1st paycheck on anything i wanted... i know this is premature seeing as I haven't even started working yet, but what do you think of this?? (it has a pink sidecar!!)

live love...

2009-01-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so very tired of studying. With still two weeks to go, I am feeling burned out and ambivalent about passing the NBCOT exam on the 29th! There are so many more fun, creative ways that I'd like to spend my time before beginning work. With LEK's wedding next weekend, I'm wanting to be in Austin helping her with last minute details and having our last "single girls'" (well at least where one of us is still single) sleepovers! But instead I'm riding my bike to the library down the street and sitting at a dimly lit table reading about amputations and spinal cord injuries.... not my idea of fun. Anyways, I have still managed a few fun crafty things lately like making seriously the UGLIEST cookies ever this morning! I'll have to upload a pic. And making a few beaded and decorative items for the shower on Saturday. But I'm wishing for time to sit behind my sewing machine and work on the new Oliver + S pattern I ordered months ago, but haven't had time to start yet! I want to fly to SF and visit John and Susie and let them show us around to all of the amazing coffee shops, record stores and stationary shops that I know they have found in their new city, I want to play with my baby nephew who is 1-year-old today!! (HAPPY BIRTHDAY D! ) I want to utilize this short lived freedom, but instead... I will study, at least for today. Love you guys and girls.... we are going to PARTAY this weekend... whoop! AB (p.s. the above pic i just because...)

love love giveaways!

2009-01-13T21:45:00.001-08:00

Another giveaway at creaturecomforts, this is a really great one too! Check it out! The above picture which I love is from print*pattern*paper as seen on paper N' stitch. Have fun browsing! AB

happy four years...

2009-01-09T14:00:00.001-08:00

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it
(anywhere i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet)
i want no world (for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

poem inspiration from sweet susie's (my sis-in-law) blog... i deemed it appropriate as a ode to my sweet husband who has taken care of me, listened to me and walked beside me for the last four years... its so good to love and be loved...ab

giveaway giveaway!!

2009-01-07T19:45:00.001-08:00

Hi friends, just wanted to let you know that creature comforts is having a fantastic giveaway this month for this cute vintage calendar and hanger. Just post a comment and you'll be entered! As you can see, I'm busily distracting myself from the mountainous amount of studying I have to do for my board exam in three weeks (yikes!). But hey, everyone needs a little break now and then right? love you guys... ab.

magic ryan...

2009-01-01T13:04:00.001-08:00

I love this picture taken by our amazing friend Patrick! And I love that it makes Ryan look completely magical, which of course he is. My lovely husband is currently giving me a photography crash course to help me decide which new camera to purchase (or keep that is). So many things on the horizon, LEK's wedding, board exam and new upcoming job. I promise to post a more detailed update soon, but let's just say the Booth are continuing to embrace change! Love you guys... amb

Lauren and Nick

2008-12-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

Really just shamelessly bragging about how cute my friends are that are planning on getting married in January! My favorite of their engagement pictures that Ryan took a few months ago... I can't wait for the big day... so lovely. amb

creature comforts...

2008-12-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

New favorite blog! Lately I've become addicted to creature comforts, I love that this blog fufills my every girlish whim giving me inspiration in fashion, gifting, crafting and cuteness. I especially love the free sections that is devoted entirely to giveaways and best of all little printable patterns, gift tags, cards and more. Seriously, go here now, you'll thank me!

A few photos that i love... inspired by love... from leloveimage...

Nativity

2008-12-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

beautiful picture of the nativity story... I love the lyrics from this andrew peterson song that say "the baby in her womb, he was the maker of the moon, he was the author of the faith that can make the mountain move..." Sweet picture of the 1st christmas. merry christmas to all of you, you are loved and I pray that you find quiet moments to spend with loved ones and that your hearts find hope throughout the year. much love, ab

let's kazoo it

2008-12-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

P.S. Two days ago at the hospital, there was a troop... yes a troop... of old people in their power scooters, scootering around the floors playing christmas carols for our patients... on kazoos! It was the most hilarious and heartwarming thing that I"ve seen in a long time. I seriously bet they spent months working up their lung capacities to play those crazy things! but they were having a blast, which made me smile and long to join their troop and spend the day kazooing songs for sick kids to make them laugh. Yea for old people with spunk and a sense of humor!

finally finished...

2008-12-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy lately, that I've been a terrible blogger. I've finally finished my masters degree this week and look forward to graduation on Sunday and finally starting a "real" job for the first time in my adult life. Ryan asked me yesterday if it felt good to be finished and I don't think that its really sunk in yet. I totally anticipate waking up on Monday morning and not knowing what to do with myself. I'm thankful for time to relax and take a break, but worry that I will lose all of the momentum I have gained from working over the last 6 months. I still have days when I really don't want to work at all. I think that I would be content to wake up, drink coffee, walk olive, and sew or knit or read or play until ryan is done with work. But there is this other nagging side of me that really enjoys the thinking and challenge of working with kids. I love that its hard and that it makes my brain hurt and keeps me on my toes. I love that I feel like it matters. But I am so tired at the end of the day, and often sad that life is not fair, and that some tiny babies don't even get one day of normal or easy. So what to do? For now I'll wait and try to be patient. I'll try to convince myself that its good for me to apply for jobs and interview even though I have such a hard time getting started with something new. I'll wait to see what comes next... be back soon, love amb

paper, printing and such...

2008-12-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

i have the day off today and i'm printing invivations to the bridal shower of one of my very favorite people. its cold outside and there is christmas music on the radio... life is good.

winter rain and vampire movies...

2008-12-03T19:45:00.001-08:00

its been sooo long since I've posted. A month flies by now that I've been actually working everyday. as much as i'm ready to be finished with school (and working for free) I've actually become pretty accustomed to the 6 o'clock hour wake up, morning coffee, off to work routine... I didn't know if that day would ever come. And I still have days of wishing that I wouldn't need to get used to it, but for now... its good.

its raining outside the window and we just got home from seeing "Twilight" at the angelika... there are few things that I can think of that are more entertaining than a fairly well done vampire romance. seriously, I liked the movie! it was fun and compelling in that " i want to kiss you, or maybe suck your blood" kind of way. A good date movie seeing as its has both kissing and killing. anyways, it was a nice interlude on a wednesday night in humid houston as we wait for winter to arrive.

hope you guys are doing great, i'm counting down the days until christmas and in the meantime i will be doing the following: talking ryan into spending extra to get a noble fir christmas tree for the apartment ( i love these), driving around looking at the fancy houses with pretty while lights that are (sadly) professionally hung, lusting after wrapping paper, drinking peppermint mocha coffeemate, and watching all the cheesy christmas movies i can get my hands on starting with 1. family stone 2. love actually 3. elf 4. home alone... be back soon! amb

i guess today will go down in history...

2008-11-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

today either our first black president or first female vice president will be elected... I feel that this is monumental. And I'm glad that our country is motivated to produce some sort of change, hopefully it will be for the better so that we can regain hope in our leaders, in our nations. i went to vote today and it was fairly uneventful and I was slightly disappointed. I think that I was expecting the buzz that surrounded the primaries this year. But still, I felt good for fulfilling my civic duty. I think that I'll try to track down one of those U.S. coloring sheets tonight and sit in front of the tv, coloring in the states red and blue as the votes are counted, just like I did when I was ten... the excitement is building.

words for my soul...

2008-10-24T19:37:00.001-07:00

I loved loved loved reading this post from purlbee that talks about the domestic lives of women past and present... take a read...

"Although visually stunning and inspiring to read, the pictures and stories in The Gentle Art of Domesticity are not what drew me in the most. In the introduction, Jane calls attention to something that I and I'd guess lot of women of my generation think seriously about every day--the choice many of us have between staying at home with family or going out into the workforce, or even doing both. She remembers that in the seventies (when I was born), feminism was mainstream again and young girls were being raised to have a greater sense of independence through career. To the feminist thinkers of the time, the domestic arts were a throwback to the days when women's lives were relegated to the home, and soon enough they became devalued as quaint and irrelevant. Having become a woman with both a professional and a domestic life, Jane reports that she sometimes felt embarrassed by her love of knitting, sewing, and baking and hid her creations, thinking she was alone in valuing these skills. Well, it's certainly clear by the publication of this book, the popularity of yarnstorm and other blogs like it, and the resurgence of craft circles and retailers that she isn't alone. I know that I enjoy spending much of my spare time in the kitchen, or with a pile of wool in my lap, or at the sewing machine, and that I feel great satisfaction in both the process and the product of these pursuits. And most of all, I'm glad that I was given a choice. Thank you Jane!"

I too feel that some of my favorite times are sitting quietly on the floor with my knitting in my lap, trying a new recipe, wrapping a gift, or sewing at my machine. I want to be less embarrased of this side of my heart, I want to share these things with other women in my life. I want to fully enjoy the wonders of being a girl...

kids are funny...

2008-10-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

so today, we went in to evaluate a little boy with a leukemia, four years old, who had a bone marrow transplant yesterday. I walk into the room expecting to find a weak, quiet still little guy laying in bed, lethargic and shy. Um yeah... instead, I found a little bald boy, with huge brown eyes standing beside his bed showing me his yoga poses... no kidding, his yoga poses... and not the easy ones, the really hard ones where you have to balance on one foot. He then proceded to ask me "can you bring me a little running machine, because I'm really good at running, but I need a little running machine, because I am little..." All this was done as he stood his tiny self up by the bed in only a monster t-shirt and a diaper, connected by at least 10 wires to his IV pole... Kids are funny, and completely amazing.

home again...

2008-10-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

my sweet husband is home... sleeping safely in our bed... what more could a girl ask for? sweet dreams-amb

when ryan is gone...

2008-10-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

when ryan is gone, i am typically a sad, melodramatic, ball of emotions. i don't like being left behind... this is a theme that has been consistent in my life since i was a little girl. My mom used to tell me these hilarious stories of how I would pretty much go to the ends of the earth to prevent being left out of a family activity. I'm a "clan" person as ryan calls it, I do best when I have one or a few people around me that I am completely safe with, that I know won't let me down and that i can just stand by if things get scary or unpredictable. What can I say? I'm a shy girl at heart.

Anyways, this week since ryan has been in Uganda, I've been trying another path, the one that is less afraid to hang out with my neighbors instead of hiding away alone in my apartment, the one that makes plans and has fun on my own. I want so much to be a wife that is interesting and independent in that mysterious kind of way, but usually this really just isn't me. I'd rather snuggle with ryan on the couch and let him be the interesting one... I'm okay with that, I fit there. But when he goes on trips, I'm forced to unearth the more brave me and do things on my own, and I'm really thankful for these times. I'm thankful that when he gets home from world traveling that I have a few of my own stories to share. That as he's telling me stories of Africa, I can tell him stories of our neighborhood, the kids at work, and time with friends. So I'm trying to keep being brave, and marveling at how my friend Robin went without her husband for months when he was in the army, without any family near by (you amazing me robs!)

So its been a good week, so far at least. I'm so thankful for busy days at the hospital with kids that make me laugh so hard! I'm thankful for the fact that cell phones work in Uganda, and I'm thankful for a God that I know is with me all the time, not just when ryan is gone (even though I'm especially thankful for this!) but all the time... in every way, and that He cares about the little parts of me that still get lonely, shy and afraid. love love, amb

first day...

2008-09-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

I got to be in a room (or several rooms shall we say) with 100 of the ittyest bittyest babies in the world yesterday...

i love texas children's

more to come...amb

the official no fun blog

2008-09-21T15:20:00.001-07:00

my blog has become so "no fun" lately. We just got our internet back today and i'm excited to post some pictures soon!! I've been posting from the iphone lately, which is admittedly a nice luxury, but I can't figure out how to post pictures from it, so the blog has been so sad and boring lately, just lines and lines of words with no fun extras. But alas! Life is returning to normal and I promise to post some pics of the hurricane damage and other random goodness soon. Love to all! AMB

P.S. Tomorrow I move to Texas Children's Hospital to begin my last three months as an OT student and spend some quality time with the little tikes!! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

let there be light!!

2008-09-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

the booths are happily home, watching a movie with lights (and more importantly a/c ) ON!! I guess we have officially survived Ike as long as we can keep from running out of gas. We love you guys. Amb

power at brians

2008-09-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Brian has power so for now we'll be camping out there.

after ike...

2008-09-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

first of all, we are safe. We still have no power and our phones are only working about 25% of the time. Ike was really bad and until this morning, we were blocked in my parents house by about 12 pine trees that were knocked down as if they were twigs. Ryan and I are headed down into town to check out the status of our apartment, we've heard that there is debris everywhere down by us... We'll see. Currently we see sitting through a gross traffic jam on I-45 (boo)... We took a bunch of pictures of the aftermath so I'll try to upload them as soon as we have power again. Until then, we'll be eating everything out of the fridge and thanking god for our safety. Love you guys...amb

hurricane IKE huh?...

2008-09-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

this should be interesting... I'll keep you updated

P.S. No work tomorrow!!!... Amazing

survival...

2008-09-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

This post is primarily for mel, who requested more internship stories...So, after 10 weeks of working at a long term acute care hospital (for no pay mind you) here are some of my thoughts on life.

First of all, this is not where I want to be working, it is hard and sad and even though I feel like I usually have a pretty good head on my shoulders as far as balancing work/home... this has been especially hard for me. A lot of days, I come home feeling like a weight is hanging off of my shoulders. Not only because there are days when I feel like nothing I do matters to my patient's, but also because some days I end up feeling like life is unfair and ultimately miserable for most people. What do you do with that? Thankfully, I have a beautiful husband to come home to who cheers me up (and takes me to happy hour if needs be) and who reminds me that I am loved regardless of what job I have, or how my day goes. But still, I feel this weight pressing down on me. Everyday when I get to work, there is a chart that tells us who has been discharged/admitted/fallen and then expired... I don't like this part of my job. Its not that I don't like thinking about the fact that people die, because I know that its part of life. But its the fact that this has become so unsurprising to me. I don't like feeling apathetic about death, like is doesn't matter, its just one person to cross off of the daily list. But how do you work in this environment, where people frequently die, and not end up feeling this way? If you don't, then you wouldn't be able to get anything done, you'd be so heartbroken and discouraged that you'd never be able to contribute anything good. But I've struggled these last few months with finding a balance. Feeling compassion, but also being able to let go. I keep wondering why God has me here, what lesson am I supposed to be learning? I'm still really unsure, but I do feel stretched and most of the time in my spiritual life, this is a very good thing. I don't like it, or enjoy it, but its good, and I do believe that truth comes from struggling...

The second thing I've learned is that most people do not age gracefully. Especially people who are older and sick tend to be unpleasant and cold. They don't know how to find hope anymore and don't know how to see past their own circumstances. Then there are the rare few, like the 97 year old gentleman (because that is what he is) that I'm treating now, that have this unbelievable grace. I believe that these few are chosen specifically by God because being 97 and outliving not only your friends and spouse, but also your children is not something I would wish on anyone, yet these sweet few choose not to be bitter or hateful, but still kind and loving. I'm so thankful for these people who have lifted my spirits after a hard day or week of feeling useless and like I'm not making any difference at all. I pray and God would give me the strength to have a heart like this, so filled with His love that it overflows onto others even when I'm tired, even when I'm hurting, even if everyone I love has gone.

Anyways... just a few thoughts, sorry mel, these weren't exactly funny stories. I actually have a few really great ones right now, but they aren't exactly internet appropriate (too many bodily functions involved). I am looking forward to transitioning to Texas Children's Hospital in the next few weeks. In my mind, my days will be filled with smiles and hugs... but I know that sick kids have struggles too and I'm going to need more patience and grace than i can imagine. We'll see how it goes. I'll try to keep you guys updated. Thanks for listening... love love amb

New Blog and Life...

2008-09-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so to answer patty's comment, I haven't yet decided if I'm really going to switch over to the wordpress blog. First of all, I can't really figure out how to make it look like this blog which I've gotten used to. The new one is just plain weirding me out. I'm assured that the wordpress system is far better and yadayadayada, but I just can't commit yet. So I'll let you guys know if I decide to make the final switch. Until then, here is home...

Secondly, a friends of the Larsen's, Life's parents (see below) have written them a song about Life that is available for downloading... the wrote the song with the intentions of raising some money to help out with their medical bills. My nephew was born 7 weeks early this year, so we know how expensive stays in the NICU are. I know that Matt and Lauren would appreciate any help people are willing to give... and its a really sweet little song. Anyways, i wanted to pass along the link...

love you guys, ab

oliver + S

2008-09-01T16:39:00.001-07:00

P.S. Oliver + S just released their new children's patterns for fall.... adorable

2008-09-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

this weekend the whole family headed to austin to help john and susie pack up their cute apartment and head off to san francisco! I'm excited for them as they begin this chapter of their life together and I'm jealous of the cool weather and adventures that are in their future. Ryan and I have actually considered moving to SF after graduation in December, but I guess we'll just have to wait to see what happens.

These are the things that I think that John and Susie should do first....
1. Eat enough "unfortunate" fortune cookies in China town that they get sick to their stomachs and have to lie down on the sidewalk
2. Visit the mechanical toy museum and take a photo strip in the vintage photo booth (this photo booth has the best exposure of any I've ever been in...)
3. Teach tippy (the pup) how to poop on the concrete sidewalk... this should be interesting

That's all I can think of for now seeing as I've only spent 36 hours in the city so far. But I know they are going to have a great time. I can't wait to visit.

blog switch up....

2008-08-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

so darling readers, following the advice of my super-computer genius little brother and husband, I'm working on transitioning both of my blogs (this one and purlgurl.blogspot.com) to wordpress sites. They are currently under construction and will have the same titles just insert wordpress instead of blogspot in the URL. For instance www.tripholdingyourhand.blogspot.com will become www.tripholdingyourhand.wordpress.com etc... I think that the layout and flexibility will be better on the wordpress sites and it allows you to upload larger pictures and blog from the iphone interface. Anyways... to much info, but I just wanted to give you guys the heads up!

P.S. We've been participating in the world's busiest weekend of all time, but we are having a great time... granddaddy chuck's 82nd b-day party in waco- check... Robin's graduation party in college station- check... ryan's family dinner in the woodlands-check... john and susie's going away to san fran party on the schedule for this afternoon! Pictures to come... love love amb

pray for life

2008-08-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

please pray for little life larsen

Http://www.aroyalallegiance.blogspot.com

the new iphone

2008-07-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Ryan is the best husband ever and stood in line again to get my new iPhone this morning... So now I'm posting my first entry from it...yea!

The next step will be learning to post pictures from it!

this made me laugh...

2008-07-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Who thinks that we should dress Olive up like this for Halloween this year? This picture completely made me laugh, I don't know if they are supposed to be circus monkeys or the scary flying monkeys from the wizard of oz, but either way, i love them!

Lauren and Nick.... yea!

2008-07-25T15:01:00.001-07:00

ENGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGED!!!!!!!

Congratulations to my two sweet friends... here's to waking up with the one you love...

In the Soil...

2008-07-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

Please come see Ryan's Photography on display at Xnihilo Gallery at Ecclesia. Opening Friday, July 25, 2008.

Happy Birthday LEK...

2008-07-18T05:00:00.001-07:00

one day late posting, but i love you nontheless!

olive's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad weekend!

2008-07-13T10:49:00.001-07:00

So... since i posted yesterday about olive, her weekend has taken a turn for the worst. Last night, she somehow managed to stab her left eye with the plastic end of a balloon that I was (whoops) letting her play with. After letting out a very sad yelp, her eye immediately started swelling up! For a dog who already has bug eyes, this is a very very sad sight. So, being the caring, yet financially impaired dog owners that we are, we tried to apply an ice pack to her eye (not very successful) and gave olive several cloves of fresh garlic, which I have heard from many sources can work as a natural antibiotic (for people and animals apparently). So we ended up with a much subdued and quite smelly dog with one giant eyeball.

This is when the story goes even further south. Ryan works on Sun mornings, so Olive and I got up and took a walk to starbucks before we had to get ready for church. I thought this would be a nice treat because I was still feeling bad about the balloon incident. Little did I know that a beastly little white dog would attack olive on the starbucks porch and put two puncture wounds in her little face... on the SAME SIDE as her already swollen and pitiful eye!!! This stupid little crazy dog actually dragged olive about a foot by her lip! Poor dogger... anyways, i now feel like the absolute worst pet owner of all time! I'm trying to spoil her today by allowing her to sleep in her favorite spot between the big pillows on our bed. She's snuggled up next to me on the couch as I type, so I think that she's going to be alright and has forgiven me for not protecting her against crazed dogs and poking balloom stems.

How do people have children?? ... Seriously....

olive + johnny jump up

2008-07-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

this is what happens when my brother and I have too much time on our hands and my baby nephew just got a new johnny jump up seat...

Egg Press...

2008-07-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a super cool website of a company that does letter pressed invitations, birth announcements and prints... you know me, loving all things that have to do with really awesome paper good, this was right up my ally. Check it out here. I'm not sure when I would ever need or be able to afford something printed by them, but it sure is fun to browse. Maybe one day when I open my knitting/paper/coffee shop, I'll get them to do my business cards... until then! amb

old people...

2008-07-01T15:54:00.003-07:00

i truly do love old people... old people sounds like a negative phrase, but I don't mean it that way at all, these are amazing, entertaining and awesome people. In the past few days I've been called darling, sweetheart, beautiful, and honey and have been patted on the hand numerous times.... what could make you feel any better than that?? So even though this internship was an unexpected last minute situation, I'm so thankful today to be working with these people... they make me smile... and laugh, especially when they tell nurses that they are going to smack them. hehehe....

off to work...

2008-06-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

beginning my life as a working adult... and actually working 7:30 to 5... doesn't seem fair somehow...

wish me luck tomorrow!

love, amb

a few thoughts...

2008-06-27T12:33:00.001-07:00

there are some really cool things about living in a big city... even if that big city happens to be Houston. there is no avoiding the fact that houston is one of the hottest, sweatiest placed on the earth, but still it has its charms. in the past two years, R and I have discovered that we can walk to the grocery store, multiple coffee shops, three amazing cafes, the library, a huge city park, and three impressive museums (MoMa, Natural Science, MFA) all within ten minutes (seriously... just strolling). I've loved getting to the point where I actually feel like I know my neighborhood personally, and that it knows me somehow...

I have all of these little strange things I love to do around here, one of my favorites is driving down west gray and spotting ballerinas. this may sound strange, but the houston ballet central studio is on this street and whenever i am in the area, i love to look up and down the sidewalks for male and female ballerinas who prance down the street go to and from rehearsal. Even though the are dressed in street clothes, there is always something distinctly dancer-ish about them. (i love this because i have always secretly wished that I had these dancer-ish qualities). I have always loved ballerinas and everything ballet, i only had about a 3 month dancing career at age 4, but i have always dreamed of what it would have been like to be a true dancer... looking so slender and graceful in tights and a leotard, and leaping, spinning and well basically floating around a stage. My favorite book growing up was called "dance tanya dance" and some part of my still feels like this little 3 year old girl watching through the window as her older sister practices ballet... hoping that she'll get her chance one day... i truly love being a girl sometimes... we are allowed to be dorky and wistful at the same time.

anywhoo...silly random thoughts, hope you guys are having a great day... I'm off to prepare for my first day of work on Mon!
much love, amb

snocones part II

2008-06-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

so if you've been reading, you know about my intense confusion and anger about the snocone (or lack thereof) situation in Houston... I have actually been hardcore online researching possible locations and so far have subjected ryan and my parents to three (yes three) completely failed searches for these delicious summer treats... The most recent trip yesterday began with me sitting upstairs googling every version on snocone + houston, tx (ex: snocone, shaved ice, hawaiian ice, snowcone, etc) Excitedly, I found a place that I've never seen listed before... here is was "hawaiian splash" and only 1.5 miles from the house. So, RB and i set out on an afternoon bike adventure... needless to say we were foiled once again, there was no hawaiian splash, in fact there was really nothing at all at the address listed. Never believe the internet, apparently it lies! So we are still here, still hot and even closer now to quitting our jobs and starting a snocone chain. The search continues...

this is how olive and I feel about this situation...

home again.

2008-06-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

here are a few videos and pictures from our little trip as promised... you can watch me swing from a giant tree, which was quite fun, but made me realize just how OLD I'm getting! I was seriously perched about 30 feet off of the ground debating whether or not I could make it up this stupid tree or whether i should just let go and fall to the ground, because at the time that actually sounded slightly less scary than standing on a rusty nail in bare feet while hoisting myself onto a skinny tree branch... i don't know what possessed me to ever go up there! Anyways... we had a really fun time and i just wanted to share these with you guys for fun. Hopefully I'll keep this blog more current now that rb and I finally have internet at our house (yea!) much love, amb

p.s. i didn't actually smash into the tree... although ryan is definitely laughing at my weeny girl yelp.
p.p.s also notice random highschool boy yelling "you're gay" at one of his friends at the end... gotta love 15 year old males...

mini vAcA...

2008-06-19T20:00:00.001-07:00

rpb and I have spent the last few days on a mini vacation in the Texas hill country. Some friends were kind enough to let us use their amazing house on the blanco river while they have been out of town, so we have been hammock swinging, river floating, rope swinging and generally just lazing around. We have also discovered that wimberley, tx has possibly the BEST snow cone stand of all time. This guy even has organic juice snow cones, how cool is that?? We have become fast friends and have been stopping by daily to try new flavors. I have now decided that instead of finishing my no fun upcoming internships I will be opening a snow cone stand in Houston... the city that for some reason doesn't put two and two together and realize that the only way to survive a 100+ degree summer is by consuming 1000's and 1000's of snow cones.... anyways...(that was a bit of a rant...)

So... we have been having a grand time and will sadly return to real life tomorrow to pick up our pup from the grandparents' house and go home to prepare for my last week of summer. I miss you guys, especially you lek and mel (thanks for reading!) and I hope to see you soon. we took a few funny videos of ryan and i rope swinging and tree jumping... yes, tree jumping.. so I'll have to post those from home in the next few days!

video bananza...

2008-06-14T10:23:00.001-07:00

adventures in babysitting...

2008-06-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

spending the day hanging out with ryan, olive and baby D! Here are a few pictures from our many adventures today.

Blogging from an iphone... Sooo dorky!

2008-06-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

LEK

2008-05-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

for lauren, my only "blog world" fan... love you. amb

finals are finished...

2008-05-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

nuf said...

more blogging to come soon.

amb

Etsy favs...

2008-04-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

some of my most recent favorites from etsy.com... check them out for hours of entertainment and procrastination. Love, amb