checking in

Life has been extra busy, filled with extra good things... We had a blast in California, visiting Disneyland, the beach, Sea World, and hitting up a baseball game somewhere in between. I turned 29 on the 25th and was spoiled by my sister who brought me lunch and then shoved me out the door to go shopping while she watched the girls (I know, right?), and by my husband who came home from work early and took me out on a date until late. He also surprised me with a Kindle. I love a good book so I am excited to try it out. As for the girls, they are keeping busy eating their weight in watermelon and wearing in their swimsuits.

But, the extras don't stop there... This weekend is our annual Girl's Weekend my mom puts on, so the girls and I are hitting the road once more! I spent the majority of today cleaning the house and car, and doing laundry after being gone last week, so it is crazy it's already time to pack again. At least this time I will come home to a tidied up house :)

More photos to come... thanks for sticking around while I am out.

Has summer been keeping you extra busy too?

{{p.s. the SALE is still on}}

shop update + a SALE!

Blue Rick Rack Dress//Floral Top + Shorts Set

Striped Sailor Blazer//Red Striped Golf Outfit

 Peach Gingham Pinafore Dress//Pink Embroidered Yoke Outfit

Red Roses Button Up Shirt//Yellow Smocked Dress

 Red Animal Overalls//Denim Cars Overalls

 Pink Lamb Overalls//Gray Ruffle Dress

Hello friends! I finally got around to updating the shop this summer, only to be leaving on vacation soon. We are heading out this Saturday to go to California for a week, so I will be closing up shop from the 16th-24th. If you see anything you like or have had your eye on that certain item - now is the time to get it! But not before you ...

enter the coupon code SUMMERLOVIN for 20% off!

That being said, things around here will likely continue to be quiet for the next little while. Summer is doing a great job at pulling me away from the computer and I am not complaining. I am welcoming any activity to take my mind off of the stresses of home buying. We are still waiting to find out if we got the house and it is seriously taking a toll on my sanity. I am not the type of person to stress much, but this has been a major exception. So many factors out of our control are causing the delay, but what is most frustrating is having no choice but to put all of my hopes and dreams into the hands of other people. People that I am praying do their job right the first time, and do it quickly. This has been quite the ride. I am ready for it to be over, preferably with a new set of keys, but either way we will know soon enough... 

Good thing we are leaving on vacation because I need one!

our ballerina

The Little Miss ended her first year of dance a few weeks ago. She loved it and is already asking me when she can start going again. It was definitely one of the highlights of my week helping her pick out an outfit, putting her curls up in a top knot, and then watching her concentrate as she proudly put on her ballet flats all by herself.

If you follow me on Instagram (stacyhartsew) then you probably saw my weekly ballerina series which I've (mostly) rounded up here. We usually stopped on our way out the door before class and LM would humor me and strike a pose. I'm so happy I took these pictures since, at least to me, they show how much she grew both physically and technically throughout the year. Her first day of class was the picture just below on the right (pink leotard, blue bow) - compare that to the last picture which was taken after her recital almost nine months later and you can really see how much she matured.

We are so proud of our little ballerina! She got up on that big stage in front of everyone and danced every step with a big smile on her face - I may be biased, but I think she was the best one :) We have a natural born performer on our hands and I hope to give her many more opportunities to shine, as long as she wants them.

Year one, check.

lately

Well, the week I said was starting out pretty great quickly took a turn for the worse and in fact was pretty darn miserable. I got realllly sick and Lark apparently decided since mama was down for the count it would be a stellar time to cut four new teeth, including molars - we were just trying to get through each day without too many tears. Although I do have to say, I was SO thankful to have some amazing friends and family step up and get LM out of the house on play dates and park adventures for me. It is so wonderful to have a loving support system to call on.

Once we were all finally feeling back to normal I couldn't bring myself to sit at the computer when I could be outside! Breathing through my nose and swallowing without my throat punching itself! And, somehow two weeks passed since I'd dropped in here...whoops. In order to get myself back into the swing of things, here are some photos of life lately - minus the stint when we were sleeping and crying more than usual, drinking gallons of honey-laced tea, and creating big piles of tissues.

 I suppose we haven't had too bad a start to summer :)