tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11672939358183590592024-02-07T13:50:49.820-05:00Katie's pencil boxKatie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.comBlogger664125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-62473665868609808002018-10-10T09:43:00.000-04:002018-10-10T09:43:28.381-04:00OUR WEDDING <div style="text-align: center;">
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This day last year, on the most beautiful fall evening, surrounded by friends and family and our children, Matt and I married each other. After 8 (now 9) years together, the ceremony was less about promises and more about honoring what already was...deep respect, acceptance, mad love, and the joy of sharing it and solidifying it with our people in that season of our life.</div>
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We wanted the day to feel laid back and easy and it truly was. Our bridal party was all family (my sisters and niece/ Matt's brothers and dad). Everything was held at the Art Institute here in Dayton. A string quartet played The Cure and Phosphorescence. We snacked on hors d'oeuvres, a macaroni and cheese bar, almond and apricot cake, and macarons. There was lots of dancing (our first dance was to Beauty by The Shivers), and we ended the night just the two of us at a Taco Bell drive thru in our suit and dress. </div>
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Perfect day with just the happiest memories. Definitely worth the wait. </div>
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Happy anniversary, lover guy! </div>
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<i>Vendor list: Photography- <a href="http://www.jennyhaas.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Haas</a>// Venue- <a href="http://www.daytonartinstitute.org/" target="_blank">Dayton Art Institute</a>// Dress- <a href="https://www.emilyriggsbridal.com/" target="_blank">Emily Riggs</a>// </i><br />
<i>Flowers and table centerpieces- <a href="http://evergreenflower.co/" target="_blank">Evergreen Flower Co.</a>// Makeup and Hair- <a href="http://www.sweetlypinned.com/" target="_blank">Sweetly Pinned Hair and Makeup</a>// </i><i>Bridesmaids dresses- ASOS// Bridal Headpiece- <a href="https://annamarguerite.com/" target="_blank">Anna Marguerite</a>// </i><br />
<i>Veil- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Veilsoflove?zanpid=10690_1539177848_dfbf1c7d02aa86027592dfccf1064a98&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_campaign=row_buyer&utm_content=85386&awc=10690_1539177848_dfbf1c7d02aa86027592dfccf1064a98" target="_blank">Etsy:Veils of Love</a>// </i><i>Rentals and Table Styling- <a href="http://www.somethingolddayton.com/" target="_blank">Something Old Dayton</a>// Music- <a href="http://www.vivalastrings.com/" target="_blank">Viva La Strings</a>// Cake- <a href="http://www.cakeryofdayton.com/" target="_blank">Cakery</a>// Sweets- <a href="https://michellesmacarons.com/" target="_blank">Michelle's Macarons</a>// </i><br />
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Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-48623486948328717402016-07-11T19:08:00.000-04:002016-07-11T19:08:08.524-04:00PHOEBE'S RAINBOW SPARKLE UNICORN PARTY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi friends! Happy summer! We celebrated Max and Phoebe this weekend as they turned 12 and 4 on Friday and Saturday. My July babies. It's always a bit of a whirlwind and I was thankful that Max just wanted to go play paint ball with friends this year. He's truly 12...dubstep music and cat videos and perfecting the art of wearing socks with sandals. He's such a light-hearted blessing of a guy and we're going to soak up this last year of him being just a kid. No teenagers yet!<br />
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Phoebe girl was all about birthdaying this year. She knew back in February that she wanted a Rainbow Sparkle Unicorn birthday and didn't budge until the day before her birthday when she decided she wanted to scrap the whole thing and just have a balloon party. We did both. Everyone came over Saturday and we ate food and listened to funny music and doted on our girl. And there were ponies. Ponies! It's one of those things I've always wanted to try for a party and it ended up being hilarious and awkward and totally making the kid's day.<br />
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Phoebe at 4 is sugar and spice with a disdain for underwear and a flair for the dramatic. She sings with conviction and wears heels and a purse before leaving the house. She's confident and funny with a preternatural love for horses and marshmallows and lemonade. She's kind and giving and tells me that we're best friends and I know it to be true.<br />
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I hope you all are having a nice and simple summer. My heart is heavy with the world right now. It's been good to hunker down with my family and show them love and take these moments to teach our little ones about hope and goodness and action. Everyday action.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Most decorations were found at <a href="http://shopsweetlulu.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Lulu</a>, <a href="http://fawnshoppe.com/products/party?p=all" target="_blank">Fawne Shoppe</a>, boxes and tablecloth from IKEA, Unicorn head from Target, Phoebe's dress is from <a href="https://www.aliceandames.com/" target="_blank">Alice and Ames</a>. Unicorn birthday invitations at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1144033444" target="_blank">Bonjour Berry</a>, organic cotton candy found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpunLight" target="_blank">here</a>, the pink punch flavor is so good!! </span><br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-10274913544302905012016-05-04T17:52:00.000-04:002016-05-04T17:52:29.717-04:00Design Mom Feature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been forever and a day since I've been here...I almost forgot how to log in. haha. Ack! </div>
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I hope this finds you all well and if you're reading this, thank you for sticking with me! I didn't intend on being away so long but here we are. </div>
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I got an email from Gabrielle over at <a href="http://www.designmom.com/" target="_blank">Design Mom</a> a few weeks ago to see if I would like to contribute to her Living With Kids feature and I couldn't pass it up. </div>
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I shared pictures of our house these days and some thoughts on love and divorce, living in a rougher neighborhood, steering clear of blogging and social media, and of course, living and decorating with kids. </div>
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<a href="http://www.designmom.com/2016/05/living-with-kids-katie-stratton/" target="_blank">Go check it out!</a> </div>
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xo </div>
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Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-71380906415422663402015-11-29T11:05:00.000-05:002015-11-29T11:05:24.204-05:00OH CHRISTMAS TREE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>November 2015- Country Pines Tree Farm, New Lebanon OH</i><br />
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Feeling grateful for traditions, old and new, and the comfort of funny rituals this time of year--sappy pine fingers and top of your lungs Christmas song singing...praying the tree doesn't fall off the top of the car on the drive home and keeping fingers crossed that these little ones will remember the year we cut down the prickliest tree of ever and how a Mariah Carey Christmas song can always, always save even the lousiest-feeling day.<br />
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Sending love to you all, hoping your Thanksgiving was full and your Holidays to come are bright as can be! <br />
Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-58262751566446091772015-10-31T13:16:00.001-04:002015-10-31T13:16:26.028-04:00HAPPY HALLOWEEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Phoebe talks about "Mingos" (Flamingos) at least twice a day, everyday. We're not sure where or how she got so attached to them, but I'm guessing it has to do with the fact that they're very very pink. I spruced up a store-bought flamingo costume with lots of scalloped fabric and hot glue and we met my sister Amy and nephew Juju for tricks and treats.<br />
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Maxy decided he has officially reached spoilsport-age and is too old to dress up. And I'm sorry to say I've been taking the news like a real sad sack! Change is always strange, but especially so when traditions or stuffing your kids into funny costumes is involved. <br />
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Nevertheless, it was a hilarious night with these two little ones. It turns out flamingo Phoebe is a candy mooch who, when left to her own devices, refused to leave a porch without a second or third helping...and poor Juju at one point was found banging himself up against a tree in some sort of robot, short-circuited, candy stupor. It was wild and funny and stressful in the kind of endearing way that only 3 year old's can get away with. Just as it should be. <br />
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Happy happy Halloween, friends! Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-20368864414930592272015-10-30T16:58:00.000-04:002015-10-30T16:58:08.880-04:00PUMPKIN PATCHING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last leaves are falling and greyer skies have settled in. There's a whole lot of beautiful in all of the rot and the gloom and way the cold is starting to cut--when the ending and beginning of seasons meld together bringing about a comforting jumble of melancholy and anticipation. I swear this time of year does it to me every time.<br />
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We've been trying to squeeze in all the last bits of all the fall things before Monday comes and Christmas music starts to play on the radio and I start the slow burn of wearing my family out with insentient Christmasing. Until then, we're lighting our jack o' lanterns and hot gluing costumes and standing still, even if just for a moment, to take in this final push of fall-time in Ohio.<br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-91590325515038146452015-10-28T09:49:00.001-04:002015-10-28T09:49:55.177-04:00Now and now and now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October, 2015- Photos by my wildly talented friend <a href="http://www.jennyhaas.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Haas</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">“Remember, remember, this is now, and now, and
now. Live it, feel it, cling to it. I want to become acutely aware of
all I’ve taken for granted.”- Sylvia Plath</span></span></h1>
Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-20881676266728454602015-09-03T16:43:00.000-04:002015-09-03T16:43:01.078-04:00TINY DANCER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Phoebe isn't a real "heart on your sleeve" type person...she's a little timid and guarded and shy with her emotions or with new experiences and people. It's a funny side of her that is made even more beautiful when you see her letting go and giving in and you know it's true joy. Yesterday was her first ballet class...and that girl was all in! Squeals and shrieks and dancing in the street with for real abandon and confidence and happiness. <br />
<br />
We signed her up with the Dayton Ballet. It's a treat to get to be downtown and take the gold elevator up with the pro dancers...to be surrounded by so much history and costumes in such a beautiful building like the Victoria. The whole thing makes my heart zing zing! Not to mention little pink leotards and hair wrapped tight in buns. But the icing is our girl...stepping out of her comfort zone in tiny soft pink ballet shoes and finding what makes her heart zing zing on its own. <br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-14745861342669403542015-09-01T12:45:00.000-04:002015-09-01T12:49:40.340-04:00LILY DEL SOAP CO. x PENCILBOX [GIVEAWAY]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I recently did some branding work with <a href="http://www.lilydelsoap.com/" target="_blank">Lily Del Soap Co.</a> They're using my "Laura" painting on their packaging and website and it's really something to see the finished product...to see the new life this painting has been given, from your homes in <a href="http://www.pencilboxshop.bigcartel.com/product/laura" target="_blank">print form</a> to an accent on beautiful soaps! I get the biggest kick out of all of it. <br />
<br />
Lily Del was just featured in the August issue of Southern Living Magazine and was picked as a nominee for<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/137527/style/lily-del-soap-co" target="_blank"> Martha Stewart's American Made 2015 Awards. </a>They are kindly offering a <a href="http://www.lilydelsoap.com/bubble-bath-2/" target="_blank">bubble bath</a> giveaway in your choice of scent to one of you! (I just ordered the Caramel & Tobacco!)<br />
<br />
To enter, just go "LIKE" their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lily-Del-Soap-Co/222474877863491?sk=timeline" target="_blank">facebook page</a>. They'll draw a winner tomorrow! Best of luck!<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Product photos courtesy of Lily Del / Photographer Stephen DeVries</i></span><br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-65818624307983173662015-08-22T09:20:00.000-04:002015-08-22T09:22:08.182-04:00BACK TO SCHOOL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The kids started back to school this week...preschool and 5th grade (BIG!). This is Max's last year going to our Montessori school. We're gearing up
for big changes to come for him and enjoying these last bits of he and
Phoebe being together at the same school. It's not a bad gig to have
your big brother/best friend looking out for you everyday.<br />
<br />
We've been fumbling a bit trying to get back into a routine...it's been a real circus around here. One with flying clothes and shoes too big...disappearing lunches and death-grip tearful goodbyes. Needless to say, we are dragging our feet out of summer. And while we're waiting for that old-hat feeling to settle back in, it's helping to practice the art of stepping back and letting my kids do and be and see what sticks on their own. Knowing that as much as they need my advice and presence and to have my act together they also need me to just be okay with the mismatched clothes they picked out...and to be able to walk away during the tearful goodbyes because we both know she'll be fine the second I'm gone. <br />
<br />
And when all else fails, ice cream after school is the healer of all things. And weekends. Weekends are welcomed too. Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-84162995350138603092015-08-20T16:35:00.001-04:002015-08-20T16:35:44.728-04:00By The Seashore <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<i>Hatteras Island, N.C</i><br />
<br />
We spent our last week of Summer vacation by the ocean with family...spending our everyday hunkered down in the sand...dipping toes in cool water and equal parts hiding pale skin from the sun and trying to convince Phoebe Girl to get into the pool. There were seashell hunts by day and big family dinners by night...sore thighs from scaling the lighthouse (Max came with me this year!) and lots of moments to breathe in salty air and feel forever thankful for another beautiful summer together.<br />
<i> </i>Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-40795031094075609332015-08-06T17:37:00.000-04:002015-08-06T17:37:05.168-04:00FLOODWATERS II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<i>Fletcher's Pond- Hillman, MI</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>We took our annual trip up north to fish last month for Matt and his twin brother Todd's birthdays. It was peaceful and calm and comforting in the way only traditions or rituals can do to you. You step foot on the ground and breathe in the air and your mind and spirit go onto instant autopilot. You fall hard into the rhythm of the water...the foggy still mornings and brilliant napping afternoons and starry deep nights. It's such an unassuming place but I don't have any trouble romanticizing it one bit. <br />
<br />
Max came home with whopper fish stories and tales of getting caught in the storm of all storms, just him and Matt and their tiny boat. Phoebe learned to work a reel and wouldn't pass up any chances to touch fish scales or swing a lure into your back. We added a new guy to the family and brought him along with us. His name is Wilbur and he's been the sweetest puppy you could ask for...a real fine fit. <br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-85227183645784836962015-08-05T10:58:00.000-04:002015-08-05T10:58:40.696-04:00Ice Cream Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our Phoebe girl is bonkers for ice cream...with sprinkles...always with sprinkles. For her birthday this year we threw her a little afternoon ice cream party at home with family. Loads of ice cream and sweet things to put on top, with soda floats and malt shop music on the side. It was a nice way to celebrate our beautiful growing girl...3 going on 13. </div>
Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-25887394676639326592015-08-03T12:11:00.000-04:002015-08-03T12:11:57.598-04:00Happy days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Time and moments seem to be racing these days. And just when we start to settle in the axis shifts just enough to keeps us on our toes. A kind reminder to flow in and out of growth and change like cool running water...to be present in a moment and to move on to next without lingering too long. Where nothing is too precious but everything has meaning. I keep telling Matt that these are our happy days...and so, much of it has been spent with my camera down and my spirit lifted. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">I also got really addicted to this season on The Bachelorette. haha. Hmph.</span></div>
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Our summer babies turned another year older last month (3 and 11! ack!). Our shoulders are red from the sun and regular bedtime has become a story I hardly remember anymore. We're slowly packing for our week away at the ocean...my favorite way to send off the summer and get some rest before the school year begins. Phoebe talks daily about plans of finding seashells and somehow I think I've raised her right. </div>
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Here's hoping this finds everyone well! As much as I've found a lot of peace with the space not blogging has given me...I've truly missed you all. I've got pictures from Phoebe's birthday and our fishing trip up north that I've been meaning to come and sit down here...fingers crossed this week. </div>
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Love and love and happy summer to you! </div>
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Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-6868996024569584782015-04-16T10:35:00.001-04:002015-04-16T10:39:35.337-04:00Things made new<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Easter/Spring 2015</i><br />
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And just like that we've fallen into our springtime rhythm...greens and blossoms and dirt under the nails as if it never snowed and we never lost our breath from the cold. Phoebe girl plants bare toes onto rainy grass and takes off like a caged being on the lam. Muddy wellies and hooded things replace heavy coats and scarves and we take in gulps of fresh air feeling forever grateful for all things made new again. <br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-83658687143633537272015-02-04T10:20:00.001-05:002015-02-04T10:20:44.532-05:00When the cold wind blows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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My favorite part of late winter...giving in to that deep stillness in the air and the forced slow down of time and energy. These seasons are a blessing--cold air and the rumblings of spring light up even the darkest corners of a hibernating mind. And like clockwork, it makes me want to tear down walls and paint all the things and stick a million donuts in my mouth all at the same time. Comfort and patience, scheming, being, doing. </div>
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Happy happy February, friends! </div>
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Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-15619278819049980872015-01-12T17:17:00.000-05:002015-01-12T17:17:13.000-05:00Phoebe's big girl room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy happy New Year, friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. We've been spending the last few weeks hunkering down together, soaking up the holidays and time with each other. The kids are back to school now and wheels are spinning trying to get back into the swing of things.<br />
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Sis got a big girl bed just after Christmas and a whole new sense of self along with it! Lots of shutting the door to be alone in her room...tucking everyone from babies to dada under her covers and tons of pretend sleeping (and not a whole lot of real sleeping). It's been funny and sweet to watch her take pride in a space for herself. Official big girl stuff around here! <br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-35672215497601657782014-12-08T16:40:00.000-05:002014-12-08T16:40:00.684-05:00Oh Christmas Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Snow gave way to rain just as Thanksgiving came and went. Thank goodness for the chilly air and boxes of new twinkle lights to keep things happy. We went to hunt down our tree for Christmas with my sister Amy and her boys last week...my favorite tradition. Forever rows of beautiful greens and wagons pulled by red-bowed horses hauling away fresh cut trees. Sappy fingers and red baby noses and the stirring feeling of nothing but lighter hearts and a season of hope to come. <br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-74882983335838981352014-11-17T10:47:00.002-05:002014-11-17T10:47:45.781-05:00Snow globing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...and then it snowed, and my Christmas house doesn't look so crazy after all.<br />
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happy happy Monday, friends!<br />
Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-86750192804162543152014-11-16T10:03:00.000-05:002014-11-16T10:03:04.623-05:00November clockwork <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This time of year always seems to bring out a funny, pensive side of myself...taking stock of a year and feeling a sudden itch to learn French or finish that scarf I've been meaning to finish for 3 years now. It's my November clockwork...photo-finish ambitions for a year. But sometimes it's just the idea of a year's-end-dream that can drive me...inspire me. It gets channeled into a painting or the most boring part of an afternoon at home with the kids. (that thousandth episode of Barney is way more tolerable when your head is lost in thoughts of speaking fluent French while wearing a lumpy, misshapen homemade scarf of yours!) And it always, ALWAYS, ends up in a prematurely decorated Christmas house. <br />
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Is it possible to be altogether proud and completely embarrassed that I already have the house fully decorated for Christmas (tree excluded)? First house in the neighborhood! (Which is saying something, as we live on a street where some people never take their decorations down). <br />
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I blame it on that scarf...<br />
Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-74734571472422153072014-11-01T10:38:00.000-04:002014-11-01T10:38:31.651-04:00tricks and treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hoping you all had a Halloween as wonderfully sugared up and strange as ours was. Ours almost didn't come to be, with Max declaring himself too old to dress up this year and Phoebe panicking at the sight of the 50 lb Minnie Mouse ears and hat I was making for her. But it all shook out in the end (runny noses and weather be damned!) and just might turn out being our favorite tricks and treats yet! It's amazing what little/no expectations can do. haha. And never underestimate the power of a fixed-expression JFK mask to make any situation hilarious (or terrifying, depending if you ask Bee)... </div>
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Happy happy November, friends!</div>
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Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-55441717286956474382014-10-14T10:45:00.000-04:002014-10-14T10:45:16.118-04:00Fall time in Ohio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Bayer's Farm- W 3rd, Dayton, OH. October 2014</i></div>
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The cool hues of summer have turned tide to the warmth of an Ohio autumn...blood moons and burning bright trees and golden field stalks of corn. It's always the best kind of surprise when you wake up one day and realize a season is finally set into place. When a porch is suddenly covered in Phoebe's favorite "punkys" and the sewing box comes out to sew long lost buttons on coats or start off the beginnings of a wonky homemade costume. It's all enough to set off a lit spark inside that keeps good company through the promise of winter and colder days. </div>
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Sending love to you all and your October. </div>
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Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-4460581176556884722014-09-16T10:07:00.001-04:002014-09-16T10:07:41.825-04:00Phoebe goes to school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Phoebe girl started the toddler program at Max's school this week! 3 half days away with friends...busy with projects and eating snacks and ready to give the most delicious hugs a mom could ever dream up when the day is said and done and I come to pick her up. Max is the best kind of brother, peeking out his classroom window at her, checking to make sure she's ok. It's a beautiful thing, watching your little ones find their footing together. So far so good!<br />
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<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-17482028112145865592014-08-25T13:59:00.000-04:002014-08-25T13:59:04.520-04:00summer's end in hatteras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Hatteras, N.C- August 2014</i><br />
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Max started back to school last week and we're slowly falling back into old rhythms and routines. We managed to squeeze in one last week away at the beach before school and it was a fine way of soaking up all the last good bits that summer has to offer. Lazing in the sand, bouncing between sun and shade, seashell hunting and wave crashing and the best time hiding out with family. Max is our forever fish--brave and fearless, while Phoebe prefers streaking on the beach and chasing crabs and keeping a stern eye on the water.<br />
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The ocean is an endless gift of salt and contentment...it's certainly not lost on this Midwestern gal. <br />
<br />Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167293935818359059.post-53188171704291694712014-07-31T13:31:00.000-04:002014-07-31T13:31:56.600-04:00Mackinac Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We took a day last week to sneak away from fishing and drive up the coast to Mackinac Island. All accidentally dressed in blue (typical), we did all the best kinds of touristy family things...eating hotdogs on the beach while Phoebe tried to kill seagulls, renting bikes to ride along the water, ice cream and people watching, visiting fudge shops and magic shops and romanticizing a life lived on such an island (there's a library on the beach!). It was a really beautiful day, and although I think everyone prefers the slow and steadiness of being on the lake fishing, it was nice to have a new adventure together...carving out a little bit of time for just the four of us. </div>
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Katie Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08351621305983020589noreply@blogger.com17