Art & Design of Kelli Murray

Dress (similar) & Bag – Urban Outfitters //  Boots – H&M

So, yesterday I finally dyed my hair purple (here’s a pic).  For those of you who follow along regularly, you know I’ve been talking about doing this for a while now.  My sister and I do each other’s hair….so we decided to experiment with a lavender to platinum ombre.  And it kind of worked!  It’s duller, more grey-purple than what we had hoped for…BUT, it was definitely a good first try!  It’s only a semi permanent….so it won’t be sticking around long, but it’s fun for a change!  I think next time we will boost up the color to see how that looks.  It’s weird, but i’m getting more daring in my ‘old age’.  I thought that was supposed to work the other way?  haha.

I’ve been living in these flowy babydoll dresses from Urban Outfitters.  I have this one, this one, and this one.  But warning….don’t dry them!  Sadly, one of them accidentally got throw in the dryer and is now closer to fitting Rylee than it is me! Honestly, things really aren’t supposed to shrink that much.  Isn’t that the worst!??

Photos by Erica

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

Rylee and I spent the day last week with my friend, and uber talented photographer, Jackie Wonders.  We took some photos around our house for a special feature we are working on….but I thought I’d share a few of the outtakes here, to include in my 52 Project.

Sam and I were gone for only a few days and I swear Rylee looked even older when we returned.  The trip was a ton of fun, but without a baby to take care of or an email to check….I didn’t know what to do with myself.  I am so used to being productive with every spare minute of my day, that when I am given the opportunity to turn that off and just relax….it really is a challenge.  I know that sounds silly, but it’s the truth.  I’ve trained myself over the last year to be more efficient with my time and to constantly be marking things off of my checklist.  So when I tell myself to throw that checklist out the window, it’s almost impossible.  Which makes me think maybe I need more vacations like this one so I can learn how to really relax!  Regardless….I did the best I could at leaving it at all the door and enjoying this alone time I had with Sam.  It doesn’t come often!  Let me tell you, 4 nights kid-free with your husband does wonders for the relationship!!    Of course, we couldn’t forget about our Rylee.

I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but when I look at her, I don’t see my baby anymore…..but a little girl.  Her hair is finally coming in and she is practically talking in sentences.  Sometimes I am still shocked this little person came out of me.  I always thought I’d enjoy her older years better than the baby stage.  And with each passing day, that thought is confirmed.  I love watching her learn new things and seeing more of her personality shine through.  There are days when I still miss her tininess, but the joy I find in watching her grow is so much greater.

Mother’s day is just around the corner and I’ve teamed up with MASSI for a special giveaway just in time! Perfect for any mother, grandmother, sister or friend.

We are offering up one Massi Druzy Necklace in my favorite color, rose gold, as well as one of my ‘wildflower’ art prints.  The contest is being held on instagram….so head on over there for full details on how to enter.  A winner will be chosen on Friday, May 10th!

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

So this is a total cheat ’52′ post….because all of these photos were taken with my iphone….and we all know that’s against the rules with this portrait series! ha!  HOWEVER….I missed this week (I have my excuses) so this is my attempt at making up for it.  If you follow me on instagram….you’ve probably already seen all of these over the last few weeks.  But if you don’t, I thought some of these might make you laugh.  The girl is a riot…..and growing up like it’s her job.

1 / Bam (our cat) dodging a Rylee squeeze…the poor guy is always on the run  / 2 / The best face. maybe ever.  Yes, she is in a diaper in the pool and no, we didn’t let her go all the way in / 3 / raising the roof for sunshine / 4 / just two of the most precious people I know / 5 / a day at the beach with the seagulls / 6 / the sheer joy of discovering sponge bob in ice cream form (thank you ice cream truck lady for making her world) / 7 / little lady, beach bound / 8 / witnessing some serious flirtation going on….boyfriends and lollipops!

Sam and I leave today for Texas!! I’m SO excited to be able to spend some QT with my hubs, but also kind of dreading leaving Ry for so long.  5 days is not SO long…..but it’s the longest i’ve gone and it sure does feel like forever when you spend every day with that special little someone.  Of course, she would choose her grandma over me any day….so I’m hoping she won’t even miss us.  Well, maybe a little, but then that’s just me being selfish.

A new watercolor illustration inspired by Isaiah 46:4  -

” I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Resting in this truth today.