I saw this image from a design blog that I love to follow and thought it was so interesting. She had done research to see which personality traits often accompanied certain "color favorites." I, for one, know that I definitely have my favorite group of colors. My home decor and wardrobe all lean in the same direction. In fact, one time my Aunt sent me a picture of some fabric and was like "this looks like your Pinterest boards!" Am I that predictable? :) 

I don't mind really, because yellow, grey, blue/teal, and coral all make me very happy. And apparently they are associated with pretty great personality traits, too! (too bad coral didn't make it on the list...)

image via

What's your favorite color? Do you think the personality traits associated with it are accurate?

I'm Glad He Was Born

Today was Russ's birthday! I love when January 21st comes around each year -- because it is the perfect time to spoil Russ rotten! Boy, does that guy deserve it. I really don't know what I'd do without him by my side. I have always been grateful for Russell, but I have to say life lately has really taken that gratitude to a whole new level. I am so lucky. 

We had a fun weekend celebrating Russ and his birthday. Saturday we went to dinner at Pizzeria 712 and a movie, Sunday was dinner with the Lewis family, and tonight was cake and ice cream with a few friends. Such a great weekend.

Here's a close-up of the cake, just because that is necessary, obviously. And that is the top of our soon-to-be-finished island! Baby steps...

So in closing, happy Martin Luther King, Jr. day... and most of all... happy birthday to Russ! Here's to an awesome year!

Uncle John

We took a quick trip to Eugene, Oregon this weekend to attend my Uncle John's funeral. He passed away after a valiant 7-month battle with brain cancer. He was so strong throughout this whole battle. I will truly miss Uncle John. He was the most positive, hard working, diligent and friendly guy I know. Every time I saw him he would give me a big hug and exclaim "how you doin' Millie?!" One thing everyone remembers about John was his never-ending loyalty to the Oregon Ducks. Biggest Duck fan ever. 

Here is Uncle John with 3 of his 6 children -- as you can see, they are all loyal duck fans as well. 

(Image from John's blog)

Even though we wish it would have been under happier circumstances, I absolutely loved spending time with my extended family. I love this family so much. We all have each other's backs, and I know they would literally do anything for me, and vise a versa. John's funeral service was so perfect. It was filled with happy and inspiring stories that attested to his character. There was beautiful music by his children (including the harp, flute, piano and violin). I was honored to accompany my cousin who played the violin to "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus." The melody of this song is so beautiful, and the words truly describe the kind of life John tried to live. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room after this song. I felt John's spirit letting us know "everything is okay." Not that a premature death is any less sad, but I am still so grateful for the gospel and the knowledge we have that families are forever. What a beautiful reunion that will be someday. 

Aside from being with family, other highlights of the trip include walking Rufus (John's loyal sidekick), a big family breakfast at a local restaurant, lots and lots of Grayson time, and watching Russ get doted on by 6 little girls. :)

Buildin' An Island

One of the many reasons I love winter is because yard work gets put on the back burner and inside projects can begin! Most recently, we have been working on building a kitchen island. The builders of this home decided to not include an island, which seems just silly to me. The counter space was limited and there was a huge empty space that went to waste. We decided to take matters into our own hands. And by we, I mostly mean Russ, because he is the mastermind behind this huge project. I just have the vision. :)

We started with some basic plans for a kitchen island from Ana White (who is amazing, by the way). I wanted a fully enclosed island, so after the dimensions and cuts, we did a lot of improvising. Obviously we are still not done, but it is getting pretty close! The island is now secure to the ground (eek!), paint colors are being selected, our butcher block counter-top is ready to be secured, and the woodwork finishing details are soon to be added. As I sit on the couch and type this (go me!), Russ is working on the electrical socket (go him!). 

Here's a glimpse of Russ getting ready to secure this baby to the ground -- he used a combo of liquid nails and screwing the actual island to the tile. No going back now!

As you can see, I'm heading towards the blue/green/grey family (shocker!). If I had beautiful hardwood floors (someday...), I would consider white, but since our tile is so light I feel like it would blend too much with the floor.  The paint that I have already sampled was a recommendation from a friend who has a beautiful kitchen/island, but it's a little too army-green for my kitchen. Thank goodness for samples. I think I know the color I will use, so you will just have to wait and see! 

Anyway, that is a quick glimpse of what we have been up to in the Lewis household, among other things, of course. I'll be sure to keep you posted with the progress!

New Years in McCall

We just pulled in from a weekend away in the snowy town of McCall, Idaho. We met my family there to spend time snowmobiling, sledding, playing games, catching up, and eating yummy food. Basically to get a break from reality... which was very needed. I love spending time with family. I leave feeling invigorated and a little more complete than I was before I arrived. So here's a small montage of pictures, just for the sake of documentation:

* Snowmobiling like it's no one's business

* Ginormous cinnamon rolls for New Years Day brunch

* My dad's funky new toy -- a "snow bike." Weirdest experience ever! But I conquered my fear and rode that darn thing

* Sweet Grayson and the hoodie Aunt Camille gave him. 

* Snowmobiling, snowmobiling, and more snowmobiling

* Russ and his favorite "sherpa hat"

* Trees straight out of a Dr. Seus story

* Life long friends joining us for a few days in the snow

* What one would call an extreme sledding hill... that resulted in a mega wipe out, of course