what makes a home

paitings
Originally uploaded by evelyse8

i know that i wasn't going to post until after our vacation, but i've got a little bit of time on my hands (that never happens) so i decided to write about something that i've been thinking about lately. my home.
a lot of our friends tell us that our home is so comfortable and just feels like it's filled with love. that, by the way, is like the hugest compliment ever! i was pondering about that as i was cleaning today. i was dusting the furniture and the little things that my kids have given me as gifts. things they've made in school, and some from church functions. i looked around and i saw my paintings hanging on the walls and that is such a warm and comforting feeling. books we love are displayed throughout our home. a year ago when i was pregnant with my daughter people would ask what they should get her. i had everyone just make something handmade. my mother made her crib set, a friend gave me a knitted blanket, etc. her room is filled with lots of love. that room is hers. our home also feels special to me because when someone walks through the door, they can already tell a little bit about our personalties. we love to read, we love art, and there are children that live here. the personal touches are the things that matter. i also frame my children's art and they add so much to a room. our home displays love because it displays us (the kids get a boost to the ego, too). i have never been into having a "theme" (ok, maybe a few yrs ago) because i want to make this home our home. that right there is what makes this place special and everyone else can feel that energy. and that is such an honor.

front porch

front porch
Originally uploaded by evelyse8

i've been playing around with flickr a lot and it's a whole lotta fun! i'm a very detailed type of person, so playing with colors and changing the picture up a bit is like being at disney. fun! and speaking of disney, we are headed out to disney world soon so i'm not going to be posting for about a week. i will still be on twitter and maybe facebooking every now and then. i cannot wait to head down there because i get to spend time not only with my hubby/kids, but also my parents and siblings. a lot of coffee. late night conversation. laughs. ahh..so much to look forward to. i hope ya'll enjoy your week and dare to be happy. i know i will be. have a great week friends!

red shoes

i found these pretty red shoes about a month ago and they are my absolute favorite. they make me so happy when i put them on. funny how shoes can do that, isn't? they go with my dark pair of jeans, yellow dress and jean shorts. don't u have a favorite article of clothing or shoes that you just click with? putting on what makes you feel good and special is always nice.

cake luv

i just had to show you my daughter's first birthday cake! her birthday was back in may, but every time i come across this photo it just makes me happy. i found two awesome sisters that just started their cake business and they made it happen! they were right on point with the vision i had and the cake was perfect. i do have to tell you that pictures do no justice for this cake. it's absolutely even prettier and so vibrant in person. the funniest part were the guests..they thought it was too pretty to cut into! of course we did and it was yummy! i was one happy momma..