Art & Design of Kelli Murray

It’s been a while since I’ve done a “mini & me” post.  Can you tell I’ve got warm weather on my mind?

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 The 52 Project – a portrait series of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013 

Rylee’s wearing:  Happily Ever After Tee by Peek / Knotted Turban – The Pink Ruffle / Leggings from Target, hand stamped

It was the most beautiful day on Saturday.  The perfect excuse to go down to the Oceanside Pier and enjoy the sun with the fam.  We are starting to really feel the coming of summer here and it makes my heart happy!  Just imaging all the beach days with Rylee, trips to the ice cream shop, evening bike ride’s….weekends at grandma’s pool.  *sigh.  Summer is my season.

Have I mentioned how much I am loving this age Rylee’s at?  (i’m kidding, i know i’ve said it about a thousand times).  I don’t know what it is about 18 months, but all of a sudden her speed of learning has been put on a fast track.  It seems that everyday she is shocking me with a new word.  Yesterday it was blender….and this morning I caught her saying “oh shoot” as she dropped her apple on the floor. ha! WHAT!!?  It’s crazy what a little copy cat she is turning into.  It really makes you think twice about what you are saying and doing as a parent!

Sorry I have been a little absent lately.  I have been working like craaaazy.  But so glad I have weekends like this one to unwind with the ones I love!  Happy weekend friends.

So, I just had to share! Is this not the most amazing one year old birthday party you have ever seen!?  My friend Tori of Sitting in a Tree knows a thing or two about throwing a good party.  I was so excited when she asked me to design the invitations for her daughter Lucca’s one year birthday.  I just knew it was going to be amazing.  Winter wonderland theme meets flora and fauna!!?  Yes, please!

…yes, that’s my daughter trying to swipe the deer from Lucca’s cake.

Just to gush on Tori for a minute: she is one of the sweetest and most creative people I know.  Aside from being a creative genius herself, she has been one of the biggest supporters of my work, really, since the very beginning.  I remember meeting her for the first time at an art show I was a part of.  An art show she actually curated.  I’m not even sure how she knew about me or my art, but I remember just being really excited for an opportunity to showcase my work.  It was back in 2006 I think, and only the second real show that I had ever done.  From Tori, came countless commissioned projects and referrals.  And I think she is the person that has purchased more art from me than anyone else in history!   I’ll forever be thankful for that.  And i’ll always remember her being a part of my “beginning”.  Not to say that I have made it by any means.  But we’ve come a long way…..and i’m glad that today we are still a part of each others lives….supporting each other in our creative endeavors and celebrating new life in our little ones!  That Lucca Valentine is to die for.  Anyway….all this to say….I’m really thankful for friends like Tori, and all the people that have encouraged me and supported me over the years.  Including a lot of you readers who I know have been keeping up with me for a long time!  I so appreciate you!!

Photos by the amazing Studio Castillero.  A whole lot more can be found over on 100 Layer Cakelet

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In other news….have you heard? Google is saying goodbye to google reader! More info can be found here. I’ve actually never used google reader myself, but I know it’s the go-to for a lot of people to keep track of their favorite blogs.  If you happen to be a Google Reader user, I’d suggest switching over to Bloglovin.  It’s clean, simple and easy to navigate.  You can follow me here!

The 52 Project – a portrait series of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013 

So here we are, week 9 of the portrait series and I still haven’t missed one! I have to admit, I’m a little proud of myself for that one.  Even with the best of intensions, I was sure I’d miss one by now.  I should really have more faith in myself. Ha!

So you guys….this last weekend!!?  Perfection!  It was like God gave us a little taste of summer in February and it was absolutely glorious.  When it heats up to 80 degrees….to grandmother’s pool we go!  It’s in a private community and almost always empty….and you can order food poolside!  I mean, common.  Talk about spoiled.  It feels like a vacation, and boy do we take advantage!  I can’t wait for summer!

 The 52 Project – a portrait series of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013 – inspired by Jodi

This weekend I was flooded with thankfulness.  First heart break….then overwhelming thankfulness.

We learned on Saturday that my husband’s twin sister Hannah, who lives in Colorado, went into pre-term labor and delivered her baby boy at just 30 weeks.  The cause was unknown, because by the time she got to the hospital she was already 100% dilated and the doctors had to perform an emergency c-section.  Obviously, this was not something she was prepared for at all.  James was born weighing only 2.5 pounds.  The doctor’s said he is doing as well as he can be, but there will be some inevitable bumps down the road given how premature he is.  Not to mention a long wait before he can be home and in his mothers arms.  My heart broke when I heard the news.  I can’t imagine the fear….the uncertainty of those moments leading up to his birth.  Not knowing if he would be born with complications or even survive.  And then, the feelings of helplessness as a mother, looking at your precious baby, unable to hold him…hooked up to all sorts of machines.  I can’t help but cry when I think about it.  It makes me want to hold Rylee tight, and thank God for her health and well-being.  And it certainly brings a new perspective to the fragility of life.

We will keep praying everyday for this little miracle, for his strength and growth, and if you’re inspired, maybe you can do the same.  If you or someone you know has experienced something similar, or if you have a premie “success story”, feel free to share in the comments below.  I’d love to pass along some encouragement to Hannah.

 Rylee is wearing: Fawn Dress c/o Minette and Milo , headband c/o Oh Cozy Knits