miss annie

Last Friday, we did a 3-month photoshoot for Miss Annie, my girlfriend Kellie's adorable baby. We had so much fun oooing and aahing over her bright blue eyes and sweet rolls. I also crafted my first flower headband just for the occasion...I've been waiting for girly excuse to make some!! We also brought Graham along and took some similar shots of him...(Except we chalked a G for Graham!) More photos here. Happy Monday everyone, it's looking like a great week...

kiddy mural

I am a huge fan of this sweet+simple freehand wall mural by Jane Reiseger. Would love to create my own rendition in G's nursery.

when graham giggles

my heart melts.

barn wedding

photo: Jeff Loves Jessica

IF: Jeff & I could do it all over again, we would get married in a big old rustic barn, with:

• all our friends and family again
  
• fresh squeezed lemonade
• homemade jam + corn bread
  
• square dancing
• vintage table cloths + doilies everywhere
  
• at least 100 strands of twinkling lights
• definitely the twinkling lights.Instead, I am begging you to plan a barn wedding and invite me. Even better, invite us to photograph your barn wedding!
  
  
  Edit (1/12/12): In the 3 years since I originally posted this, I've had tons of hits and inquiries about awesome barn, farm, or just plain lovely outdoor venues in Minnesota! We have shot weddings at many of them--and dream to visit them all some day. Congrats--I think that the good old Midwest is such a gorgeous, down-to-earth place to plan your wedding!! Here is my list, plus a few shout outs to our friends across the border in Wisconsin.
  
  
• Blue Horse Farm | New Richmond, WI http://www.bluehorseartcamp.com/
  
• Camrose Hill Farm | Stillwater, MN
  
• The Enchanted Barn | Hillsdale, WI
  
• Art's Barn | Bemidji, MN
  
• The Carlos Creek Winery | Alexandria, MN
  
• Juliane James Place | Finlayson, MN
  
• Round Barn Farm Bed & Breakfast & Bread | Red Wing, MN
• Mayowood Stone Barn | Rochester, MN
  
• Red Barn Retreats | Garden City, MN Contact 866.430.1717 or info@redbarnretreats.com
  
• Trendy Acres | Mount Horeb, WI
  
• Windbeam Farm | Hager City WI (right across the border from Red Wing MN! the owner Trudy is wonderful!)
• Woods Chapel | Orono, MN (not actually a barn, but outdoors and gorgeous nevertheless!)
  
  
  

fresh tomatoes : fresh perspective

This weekend was perfect and productive...with beautiful summer weather to top it all off. I spent Saturday with the sewing machine and this new stack of pretty fabrics, making a few baby gifts for 2 of my new-mama girlfriends. This is definitely the most delicious time of year. Almost everything on the table is either garden fresh, or fresh off the backyard barbeque. Today my mouth is watering over this giant basket of vine-ripe tomatoes on the kitchen counter. I've never been a huge fan of raw tomatoes, but the juicy red insides of these are beyond irresistible to my ambivalent tastebuds.
Speaking of irresistible...Who can resist these cheeks!? I took this pic on Friday night at 10:30 pm {that is beyond bedtime!}. After some hard core evening play time, a fresh dipe, and a generous feeding, Graham was still wound tighter than a clock. Just a crazy little rooster, squealing away! I tried putting him down in his crib anyway--plugged in his paci and turned out the lights. Amazingly, he fell asleep on his own without a fuss. We definitely need to keep practicing that skill. :)

And thank you, thank you all so very much for your sweet words and comments after the last few posts. The move has been stressful, but I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such encouraging friends. I am overwhelmed by your kindness. Just wanted to share an update: I thnk we may have found an apartment that will work great for us. It has a pretty view, an attached garage, and a washer+dryer in unit. {That's a HUGE woot-woot after our painful laundromat days!} And thanks also for all of the anniversary and business-launching wishes. Even with all of the uncertainty, we truly have so much to celebrate!

living the {suitcase} life...still

That's right. I humbly admit that we are going on 7 weeks of living out of a suitcase, hanging out with my parents, lost in a terrible holding pattern we'd like to call our transitional disaster plan. In my mind, I had anticipated that our move would have gone much smoother, but I guess in the real world things always take more time and more headaches than you originally plan. I thought for sure that by the beginning of August and certainly by Labor Day we would both be gainfully employed first-time homeowners. Wishful thinking? Brace yourself. It's time for some therapeutic blogging as I spill out the contents of my confused little life...

Not even sure where to begin with this story and how we've gone from plan A to B to spiraling into plans C-F without completely crumbling...But I believe I have some genuine explaining to do. Four weeks ago, we both had decent jobs lined up and were a heartbeat away from making an offer on the cutest little cottage you ever saw...just 1 block away from my parents' house. It seemed like such a safe & secure plan. We were about to settle down, raise our perfect little family, and lead a simple, small-town existence. We would have a big, bright backyard where Graham could lead a charmed childhood, run around and catch bugs. Jeff was going to work with the very reputable photographer in town, in his well-established studio. I was all set to work 20hrs/week evenings and weekends in the E.R. to help make ends meet for a few more years. It seemed that God had opened up perfect opportunities for us and I felt so at peace with all of that; even if it meant living 60 miles away from the nearest craft store or classy restaurant.

And somewhere along the line God threw us a complete curve ball. We began dreaming and scheming in different directions. Either coming to our senses or going completely crazy--we couldn't determine. Jeff began feeling an even stronger pull to go out on a limb and start his own business. I began to see us living elsewhere for a million other reasons, not the least of which was the craft store factor...I could fully recount the pros and cons of this whole tangled mess, and run through every possible situation/scenario with you, my friends, but there seriously aren't enough hours in the day...

So a million prayers, internet searches, and a few humiliating phone calls later, we are rewinding. We are following our hearts big time, taking epic risks, trusting God and beginning again. We are plunging into building a future in Jeff's photo business and are heading to the Twin Cities where {hopefully} a greater market and opportunities abound. We have hung up our house-hunting hats for now and are searching and settling for another simple 2-bedroom rental. (To me, that alone was heart-wrenching after I had mentally/emotionally moved-in and redecorated the aforementioned cottage.)

The uncertainty on the road ahead is maddening, but the possibilities and opportunity are exhilarating. As much as I want to break down and panic every day, I just keep praying for more patience and wisdom to make sense of it all. We are blessed right now with a comfy place to live as we transition and the potential to work hard and work things out. We're still young with relatively few commitments and G is still highly transplant-able. {All the kid needs right now are clean diapers and warm, familiar arms.} And you know, he'll probably even end up with a big, bright backyard and a jar full of lightning bugs before we even know it. Can't wait to look back on all of this with a contented smile and a laundry list of blessings...

This too shall pass.

jenny + luke tie the knot

So excited to share just a few of the shots from my sil Jenny's beautiful wedding 2 weeks ago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Everything was so simple and gorgeous and perfectly their style...Sort of a mod-country. And they had the neatest color scheme: yellow + red!

First of all, I have to say that she and Luke were such good sports about the rain! It was chilly and drizzly pretty much all day, but that didn't stop them from having the happiest day of their lives! We took full advantage of the inclement weather and got some great outdoor shots anyway. Personally, the umbrella pics are my absolute favorite. Very unique and fun!{This is my 2nd favorite!} Luke is so crazy cool for wearing his sneakers with his tux. Kudos on the new, bright white laces.
The reception was held outdoors under a big, bright, white tent. The decorations were absolutely adorable. Dozens of these flower boxes packed with yellow + red zinnias lined the banquet tables. So bright and fun!
I had a blast helping Jenny out with the guest book {above} and programs {below}. For the guest book, we set out summery patterned 3.5x5" papers and asked guests to craft their own personalized notes to Jenny + Luke. We set out pens and colored pencils for them to write and decorate inside, then fold up the note cards and seal them with red & yellow seals, bakers' twine, or skinny red rick rack. Instead of a boring book of names, Jenny + Luke got to take home a big glass jar filled with personalized sentiments decorated in yellow and red. These 2 make the most adorable couple. We are so happy for them and so excited to have Luke in the fam. :) Jeff and I were so glad to contribute a little to help them remember their beautiful celebration of their love for God and for each other.
P.S. A few more photos on Flickr!

roll out...j kesterson photography

Big news! It is officially official: Jeff's photography business has opened its doors to the public and as of today, his website is live! For real. He is specializing in on-site, naturally lit, custom photography and will put a fresh, candid spin on your life's happiest moments.

A very special thanks to our good looking family+friends for helping build a beautiful portfolio and even more importantly, for the encouragement along the way. This is a new beginning for Jeff and a definitely a new season for both of us and we're feeling downright giddy. It's been exciting to see God lead him in this direction.

So please help us celebrate!
1. Check out his work.
2. If you're lucky enough to live in the Midwest, book your baby/kiddo/senior/engagement/wedding/family session!

And the best part is: We are offering
25% off the session fee
to all living the swell life readers 'til 2010!!
{Just mention my blog when you book}

something old, something new, something crafty, something blue

Today {8.12} is the perfect day for a little reminiscing, because 3 (count them, three action-packed, wonderful, happy) years ago today, Jeff & I tied the blessed knot. Happy Anniversary, darling husband! God is so good for merging our lives. You are nothing short of perfect for me. I love loving you. And looking back, this is still the happiest day! Oh, to have everyone together again...
I am beefing up this post with a few extra pictures of our day to help celebrate my sweet blogging friend, KT's recent engagement. You see, she is hosting a *something crafty* giveaway before she is given away. She's searching for ideas and inspiration to bring personal, handmade touches to her upcoming wedding and has asked the blog world to chime in with photos and stories from their wedding experiences. So check it out and join the fun!

Planning our wedding was one of the most joyful experiences of my entire life. That year we were engaged, I felt so passionate about making our day a memorable, beautiful reflection of our love for each other, and more importantly, God's love for us. I wanted our event to be very elegant and classic--a pink + green sorta French country marries English garden theme emerged. The summer of 2006, I spent every spare moment cutting paper, hot glue gunning, and tying ribbons. Looking back, I am so grateful for the extra time and love I could pour into our day. To me, it was a simple dream wedding and there are few things I'd change if I could do it all over again.
It has always bothered me that we do not have the original photo jpegs from our photographer. He was a bit old school and we could only order physical prints. So forgive me...All of these pics are just snapshots from our family and friends! We decorated the church pews with 100-something paper cones tied with ribbon and filled with fresh flowers from my grandma's garden. I loved seeing them as I walked down the aisle.
Since our ceremony and reception were a long distance apart, we wanted to serve quick refreshments in between. We held our receiving line in the backyard of the church and set up an icecream social: a pretty table with raspberry lemonade, lime & raspberry sherbet. {Wishing I had more pictures!}Our favors: pretty green pears tied with the phrase "The Perfect Pair : Jeff + Jessica"To dress up the banquet tables, my mom and I made these runners out of pink toille.The cake, glorious cake! White cake with raspberry filling and buttercream and piled with roses to be exact...It was a work of art and made by my friend/bridesmaid Becca in her mom's kitchen just days before our wedding.And ah yes, the cupcake tree. We opted to serve cupcakes in lieu of traditional cake slices. I was a bit disappointed with how the bakery decorated them (gotta love your options in small town Minnesota!), but I think the display turned out lovely, just the same. I can't tell you how much time, doiley pieces, and hot glue my friend Sarah and I invested in that giant piece of cardboard!Our friends+family sent us off through a row of sparklers! {This picture is embarrassing for two reasons: 1. It is smoky and blurry and normally I don't post such horrible pictures. And 2. I am bending over b/c my shoe fell off in front of everyone. Thankfully, Cinderella's story helped me save face. But it was such a great memory, I had to share it anyway!}

4 months

Mr. G,

You are turning into such a chunk: I have officially packed away all of your 3-6 month sized clothes! Another month has slipped away and we've enjoyed watching you turn into more and more of an extrovert. So social and smiley, and a lot less fussy now that your colic + ear infection days are behind us. Developmentally, you seem to be right on track...A fountain of drool and absolutely obsessed with putting everything in your mouth. Everything that is, your slowly increasing hand-eye coordination can muster. The other day we put a juicy piece of watermelon up to your lips and that little tongue of yours went completely wild. It is such a treat to watch you explore and grow! We are still working on the rolling over business. Maybe it's the few extra pounds you're sporting lately, but you can't seem to get past the back-to-side-to-back. All in good time, my son.

XOAbove: I heart this pic that daddy paused to take of you at Jenny's wedding!
Below: In case we had any hesitation about our move, we heart this onesie that your auntie Katie found for you here.

lovely discoveries

My sil Katie just opened her very own etsy shop and asked me to help share the exciting news! Lovely Discoveries (her shop) is filled with clever gear created by a mom, for moms. Currently, her specialty is making some super unique nursing covers. She was so generous and made one of her awesome car organizers for us to try on our first family road trip to Wisconsin last weekend. {Just back from Jeff's sister's beautiful wedding...so much to share on that subject later!}

We learned early-on that Graham is not always a happy traveler--specifically when awake! Our game plan is to hop in the car and drive until we either a) run out of gas b) reach our destination or c) can no longer stand the incessant screaming in the back seat. So Katie's organizer was a lifesaver for the 6 looong hours over the river and through the woods. The perfect place for keeping pacifiers, snacks, toys, dipes+wipes, and even some mama entertainment within easy reach. An added bonus: I think this bright+busy fabric will be perfect for Graham's curious eyes one day when we flip his car seat to front-facing.

the reasons why::

Why I blog, that is.

Today marks the blog party celebration of Tara Frey's hip new book Blogging for Bliss, written to recognize and inspire crafty bloggers everywhere. Even though I haven't picked up my copy yet, I'm still joining in and attempting to define where I've come from, where I'm going, but mostly why I'm here. I'll attempt to prevent this from becoming too long winded--there's a whimpering, wiggly 2-foot tall man who is in need of more attention.

Blogging enriches my life. Forgive me if you've heard the story--but I began writing about 2 years ago, just days before graduating from college. You see, my sweet husband and I were planning a big adventure in the wild west, and we were hoping to keep in touch with my wonderful friends+family, and document our crazy journey. We chased a crazy dream and lived in California, just for a few years, just for fun.

But wait, there's more! This place quickly took on a life of its own; it became a stash for all things that caught my crafty eye and inspired my design-desperate (wannabe) heart. This probably sounds way too idyllic, but this place has become my little treasure chest for all things beautiful in my world. Pretty pictures, simple crafts, party+decorating inspiration, and perhaps even a recipe or two. These are the things that make me tick.

That's when I realized the biggest blogging bonus: the gift of connecting with other creative, Christ-loving, design-savvy, and/or domestic people. To meet friends in the unlikeliest places is Such a blessing. Perfect strangers have said the kindest things on more than one occasion, and completely turned my day around. They've helped me think of things in an entirely new light. Goosebumps. And on the flip side, I've found some of the most inspiring people out there through reading fabulous blogs. Seriously, it's overwhelming. I am a HUGE fan of idea sharing.

Lately, I'm blogging to archive my wonderful experience of mamahood and more importantly to forever immortalize Graham's fleeting babyhood. I've barely scrapbooked my little G, and so far his baby book leaves something to be desired. But somehow, this blog has motivated me to keep up with his month-to-month milestones. And I adore, no, more accurately am addicted to showing off his ever-chubby cheeks and sideways smiles to you. He is such a joy to us. The best thing ever.

Once in awhile, I even blog to make sense of things. I write to candidly share my heart and blurt out my every weakness (you know, the not-so-swell moments). It's odd, but sometimes feeling completely transparent and humbled in front of all eyes helps put things in the greatest perspective. Slowing down, writing it down, then pausing to reflect reminds me that I am perfected through God's grace. That alone is amazing beyond comprehension.

And well I've listed more than enough personal reasons, I must add that my ultimate hope for this little place is for it to be uplifting and refreshing for your eyes also. May you feel welcome here, find a few ideas or a little inspiration, and share in the crazy journey that is ours.

Enough blah-blah-blabbing about blogging. Now tell me. Why do you blog?
XO Jessica

P.S. One more thing: Speaking of blogging, is anyone else as excited as I am to see Julie & Julia!? Meryl Streep looks too perfect for the role, and Amy Adams, too cute!