A day off & bring on 2014

A Monday off is a rarity for me, and there is just nothing like it. Ya know? Sleeping in, morning snuggles with both of my guys (all of the daughters were spending the night away), bacon and eggs (cooked by the husband), pajamas the entire day....just nothing like it.

We did manage to get all of the Christmas trees and decorations put away today. It made me sad, and the house looks empty, but now we are officially ready to welcome a new year. I will be the very first to say an overly enthusiastic "SO LONG" to 2013. It has been a trying year, to say the least, but I would be lying if I said I haven't learned a whole heck of a lot about myself, about parenthood, about friendships, about prayer....about life. I feel like this year has been a test-- or more like a pop quiz-- on many levels, and, If I'm being honest, I would probably give myself a "B-", but whatev. I'm not perfect, and atleast I passed.

My hope for 2014 is that I can take all of my lessons, and use them to somehow become a better version of Maryann. A better version of Mommy. A better version of Robby's wife and best friend.

No matter what, I have never been able to deny that I am loved. What's more important than that, my friends? I can't think of a thing. :)  xoxo

Christmas, come back.

I want a Christmas re-do. Christmas is my thing, but I admit, this year, I just wasn't feeling it like usual...that magical, tingly, holiday, Christmas feeling that normally comes flooding in as soon as Halloween is over. It was a struggle to even want to put up our trees this year. This is not me. Not me at all. Most of December came and went without my over the top, obnoxious, shove it down your throat Christmas pep.

Then Christmas Eve came, and there it was. My Christmas feeling. We blasted Christmas tunes, made homemade Candy Apple Jelly, went to the store for holiday meal ingredients forgotten in the mad rush the day before, danced around the kitchen, watched black and white Christmas movies, cooked, baked, lit cinnamon scented candles, talked about Santa Claus (threatened the kids that he was STILL watching), visited Grandma's house. All of it. It was the best. Really, it was.

We were awakened at 5:01 on Christmas morning. 5:01am, people. Well, Christmas spirit was still fast asleep at 5:01 in the morning. Forreal. 

Nevertheless, Santa Claus had, indeed, visited our blessed home during the freezing cold night....and it was finally Jesus' Birthday. We were, once again, reminded of just how loved and insanely special we all are to have another year of life to celebrate.

Annslie (center) and her two best friends waiting on their Pajama party guests to arrive.

Madilyn, Allison, and the little redhead making place cards for the Pajama party happening later that night. 

Vintage snowmen inherited from my sweet Mother -in- Law.

Christmas morning magic.

Wyatt's room. I love this room.

Playing in sisters' room.

Freckles and concentration on Christmas morning.

Wyatt's tree.

View into a messy playroom.

Holly Jolly playroom.

Twinkly living room at night. My favorite.

Oh, Bentley.

It was back to work today, for me, but I have more time off with my favorite people next week. Wishing everyone a happy holiday/Christmas/Winter break! xoxo

BB

This is Bentley, but sometimes we call him "BB".  He enjoys these lazy, rainy Sundays when all of his people lay around with him. We hope you're having a nice Sunday with your people too.

xoxo :: Maryann (and Bentley)

BFF

It's truly amazing how a simple, or not so simple, pair of shoes can completely brighten your day. I got these blue booties a few days ago, and I have wanted to wear them with everything since then. Oh and did I mention they have fringe?!

Today has been one of those crazy, hectic, house full of antsy kids, loud kinda days. Just when I start to feel overwhelmed I look down and see my blue fringe booties, and it's magically all good.

Thank you, blue fringe booties. You're my new bff.

paired with DIY boyfriend cutoffs, inherited oversized granny sweater, and husband's hand me down band tee

Annslie Rain

Tonight my first born child, Annslie Rain Galliher, graduates from middle school.  She will be out for Summer vacation in a few short days, and, in a matter of months, she will officially be a "high schooler". How does something that actually takes years seem to happen over night?

If you know me, you know that I had Annslie very young.  I was 18 years old, and, for a while, life was just me and her.  She and I have a special bond that I would not trade for anything in the world. Annslie is sweet and goofy.  She loves music and singing.  She is the prankster in the family, and she loves to laugh.  Annslie is smart and trustworthy, a good friend, and an awesome sister.  She wants to be a teacher for children with special needs...the list goes on and on.  I am most proud of the young lady she is becoming.  I thank God everyday for choosing me to be her mom, and I can honestly say that much of who I am today is because of the sweet baby that came into my life on a rainy August day in 1999.  She has my heart forever.


November 2012

Congratulations to my Annslie, my step-daughter, Allena, and their whole class on their graduation from the 8th grade tonight!  I hope they make memories that last a lifetime in the coming years, and I can't wait to watch them grow and change every step of the way. We have years of smiles, laughs, and tears ahead of us. Bring it on!



Annslie and Allena





Daughters & Happy Chances

Happy Chance Apparel is the newest love in my life. 

I have two daughters, Annslie-13 and Madilyn-8, and I have two step daughters, Allena-13 and Allison-9. (Then there is my 3 year old, one-of-a-kind, red headed son, Wyatt...but we'll talk about him later)  When I decided I wanted to start a small clothing line, I knew my daughters would be my inspiration. So, with them in mind, Happy Chance Apparel was born. Happy Chance is all about life's moments...those summer night moments, and bonfire moments, and Friday night football moments, and first kiss moments, and slumber party moments. I believe that life is made up of all these unforgettable happenings that are completely and totally meant to be...some are amazing and wonderful, and some are difficult and heartbreaking. These moments are what I like to call happy chances. These moments are what I can't wait for my daughters to experience. I hope they soak it all in and have the fondest memories of being young and carefree. Happy Chance Apparel is designed with the notion that we can and should live life to it's fullest. We capture life's moments in our clothing. Be Happy!

Madilyn, Allena, Annslie, & Allison

Check me out at:

www.etsy.com/shop/happychanceapparel