Valley Thanksgiving + Table Of My Dreams

We were in the good ol' Lewiston/Clarkston/Asotin valley celebrating Thanksgiving with Nick's family over the weekend. 

It is always a good time in the valley. 

I get excited for a few things:

One - spending time with people we don't get to see often enough. 

Two - getting to have amazing food creations by Cathy Sokoloski (Nick's gifted cook of a mother). This year she made the most OUTSTANDING green bean casserole. I mean usually I stay far away from this staple but I ate and ate and ate...and ate more the next two days straight. Amazing. Cruz loved it too. Shoveling green beans down his sweet throat.

Three - eating two Thanksgiving meals - kinda like having two Christmases only its food, so its way better. The only bad thing is that both Nick's mom and Nick's dad have Thanksgiving on the same day. Last year they were two hours apart...yeah, not good. I almost barfed all over Bob's living room (he was second). AND you can't be rude. You have to eat as much at the second place as you did at the first place. Torture.

Four - attending the annual Festival of Trees Tea with all of the Salzwedel/Sokoloski women the day after Thanksgiving. 

Five - the possibility of getting to have the best pizza I have EVER had. EVER (Fazzari's). 

Six - Unexpected drama - mostly sibling drama. Nick and his 2 sisters know how to make it interesting! As uncomfortable as drama makes me, I also can't get enough. I told Nick that I couldn't wait for his Opa to say something inappropriate at Thanksgiving dinner. Even if it is directed at me - which let me tell you he has said. Before Cruz, every time he saw me, he would either tell me how skinny I had gotten or how chubby I had gotten based on the last visit. Made me re-think how many oreos I would have nightly.

Seven - NOT Black Friday-ing it up.I am sorry but my experience two years ago makes me want to run and hide. I dislike crowds as much as I dislike the Oregon Ducks so being in what was the Lewiston Walmart (because they don't have a Target) at 4am with every interesting resident of Lewiston/Clarkston was torture. Great people watching but sooo awful.

This year was Cruz's first experience with the Salzwedel/Sok Thanksgiving I have gotten to enjoy for a few years now and he loved it!

Not that I am surprised...this boy loves to eat!

He played with his cousins...

...and ate to his heart's content.

His favorite: Cathy's orange cream cookie dessert.

He even learned to drink from a straw! This kid was in heaven!

Ahh look at that darling face!

The highlight of the weekend among visiting with family was a promise....

Remember the table I ranted and raved about wanting, no, DYING for?

Well here is it in all of it's 8 feet, custom, exotic wood, crazy beautiful legs BEAUTYYYYYYY!

And IT IS ALL OURS!!!!!!!!!!

Cathy and Dan so amazingly gifted the table to Nick and I! Like we get to pick it up and TAKE IT HOME.

I am still pinching myself.

 It is the table I have been having dining room dreams about. 

There is a stipulation, however....

We are not allowed to paint it. EEKKKKK. I know right - ruins my grand plan to paint that baby white.

So on to plan B.....no white table...but WHO THE EFF CARES! It is so totally worth plan B, I can't even stand it! 

Cathy, just so you know? You just made my birthday, my Christmas, valentines day and Nick and I's 6th wedding anniversary! 

I'd say a highly successful Thanksgiving it was, indeed!

Estoy Agradecida

Today I am reminded just how incredibly blessed I am. 

I have parents who raised me to be kind and to treat others well. They set boundaries, were strict but fair and most importantly introduced me to Jesus. 

Next year they will celebrate 32 years of marriage.

I have a sister who I can call my best friend. She is an accomplished athlete, a devoted wife and a committed mother. She is sunshine and encouragement for me all of the time. 

I have four of the most loyal, most gorgeous, most incredible best friends sisters on the planet. I have known these women my whole life and because of that they know every fear, tear, laugh and special moment. 

 I won't ever be able to put into words how thankful I am for the Fearsome Foursome. 

I have a husband given to me straight from God. Nick, for me, will always be a reminder of how God honors those who ask for the desires of their heart. I carry no doubt of his love for me and know always he will protect and honor me always.

I never want to live one day without him.

Another reason I am beyond thankful for Nick Salzwedel is that he gave me joy times 1 million - our baby son, Cruz.

Cruz gives me purpose. I want to do better and be better for him. 

I want to inspire him, encourage him, teach him and love him...to death.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be his mom and I hope at the end of the day he can be proud of me.

All this said I still have so many things to be thankful for - a perfect fixer-uper we get to call OURS (after some serious doubt), jobs both Nick and I enjoy, mentors (Kate Harmon) amazing family and friends (Kelly Haas, I am talking to you. Love YOU!), wonderful church, the best bible study - aka: The Dream Table...

Thank you God for blessing my life with all of thee above and giving, freely, the gift of eternal life - a gift in which I humbly accept but do not deserve. 

Today....estoy agradecia.

Happy Thanksgiving

xoxo

{Via Here}

100

It is hard for me to believe that since July 14th I have written 100 times about my beautiful baby, his beautiful daddy and our crazy little life together. I am sure that if I were to re-read every post I would smile, cry, laugh and/or quite possibly cringe with embarrassment on what I have decided to share. 

I can assure you one thing, I have been authentic each moment and will continue to do so for those of you who read (which is so amazing and thank you) and for my family.

I don't regret writing one word.

I hope one day as Cruz and his sibling read through "our life's journal" they say - yep, that's our mom. 

To celebrate 100, here are my top five blog posts from Home Salz. 

#5:

The Dream Table

#4:

Cherry Cobbler

#3:

  The Love of Jesus

#2:

5 Years

#1:

200% Happy

What's your favorite?

Liam + Cruz

One of the reasons I wanted Liam so badly was to see him grow up big, tall and strong and have the best relationship with our kids. 

I'd say things are working out just as planned.

House Tour - Guest Bath

Welcome to House Tour. 

Where we take you into the home of two self-professed design junkies and watch them transform their beater from drab to Maaaayyyy-Jorrrrrrr fab.  

I am your host, Ashley Salzwedel. 

Last episode we talked about the ever small master bath and our plans to extend. Today, you get to see our beauty of guest bath. Aren't you lucky?

Without further ado...

Here she is. In all of her pink and blue glory!

Too bad she will be 100% dead and gone before we get to the point to find out the sex of our next baby. Cause let's face it - this baby could be a great backdrop for our gender reveal party. 

This is hands down the LEAST functional 4 piece bathroom I have ever known let alone had in a house I owned...why?

First of all, there is not ONE outlet. You mean to tell me Betty and Floyd Johnson didn't use an electric shaver? A curling iron? An electric tooth brush? A hair dryer? 

How do you expect me to make this bathroom smell good when I can't even plug in a Scentsy pot?

Nick said it best (2 seconds ago): This bathroom is only good for three S's. A s$%^, shower and shave.... and a clean one at that. Touche husby. Touche.

Other problems:

*Minimal storage - Each drawer is more narrow than my monthly InStyle and as long as a banana. 

*Shallow tub - I did try to take a bath. Once. If I wanted the water to come up past my belly button, I would have flooded the place. It does work perfectly, however, for Cruz man. This is where he takes baths everyday.

*A vanity made for hobbits - It is extremely uncomfortable to brush your teeth or wash your face. Forget taking an old school drink from the spout. You will honestly break your back.

So what is the plan? 

Unlike the light, bright scheme planned for the master I am taking this baby dark! I think the guest bath is the perfect place to take some design risk. 

Nothing is going to change as far layout or size. This room will not be affected by our master bed/bath addition.

So here are some of my inspiration photos sitting ever so patiently in my Pinterest account waiting to be used.

 

{Via Pinterest}

Is it totally sad for me to say that this bathroom is like 10th on my list of rooms that need to get done because it is not my bathroom?! 

Sorry, Nick.

I just get to enjoy the sweet Moroccan inspired blue laminate when I play with my baby in the bath. 

Next episode I will take you through the main floor bedrooms. Get ready. 

xoxoxoxox

Big Bad Ear Infections

Friday.

It was the first big snow and I had a derm. apt. 

Emily sent me a text at 6:45am and asked me to play hookie from work. I agreed.

These are the mornings I wish I didn't have to work at all. Do not get me wrong, I love what I do and am very grateful to have a position that allows me to stay in my field yet allows me afternoons with Cruz. 

Cruz woke up at 5am with a cry that very shortly turned into a sobbing scream. You moms know, the can't-breathe-cry/scream? After changing his diaper and gathering his most precious binkie and orange star blankie, I brought him into bed with us - which NEVER happens BTW - to cuddle and console our sad sad babe. He was able to calm down and fell back asleep. 

He slept until 8. 

Thinking back I knew something was off. Cruz is usually a very happy baby - only crying when hungry or tired. He was taking incredibly short naps, waking 3-5 times a night and was very fussy all day long - refusing to play. He also wasn't eating as well as he usually does. 

Friday afternoon was no exception. Short nap, lots and LOTS of runny nose, fuss all day and zero desire to play. He was most happy with me.

Look at those rosy cheeks after his short afternoon nap. Should have known.

He is still so cute...

Later than evening, after a dinner - one in which he didn't enjoy like he usually does - Nick and I start his nightly routine. Play, Bath, Bottle, Bed.

It was right after his bath, I notice Cruz tugging slightly on his right ear. Okay. Slap me right across the face why don't ya.

I call the urgent care and off we go. 

Yep. Horrible right ear infection. In fact they said his right ear was bulging...why don't you rub my nose in it. 

Armed with a prescription for 5 day antibiotics and a new Tylenol & ibuprofen schedule, off we went to nurse our sick babe back to health.

Motherhood. I have never felt so guilty in my life. The one human person I am supposed to protect and I blew it. If only I had...If only I called...If only...maybe it wouldn't have been so bad. 

Saturday morning was better. He slept in, had a great breakfast and laid down for his morning nap. A 2 1/2 hour morning nap. 

Considering things were looking up - I left with the Fearsome Foursome to Moses Lake to cheer on Amy Clark, Erin's sister at the Mrs. Washington pageant. Something I had been looking forward to all week.

We had the best time. Amy (Mrs. Spokane County) did amazing. She was absolutely stunning and ended the night with a 3rd place finish. The title and crown of Mrs. Washington 2012 went to the beautiful Jessica Riggs. 

L to R: Mrs. Spokane, 3RU, Mrs. Seattle, 1RU, Mrs. Washington 2012, Mrs. Spokane County, 2RU, Mrs. Walla Walla Valley 4RU and Mrs. Island County 5RU. 

Before I say one more thing - this pageant inspired me in two ways. Gave me the pageant bug...again...and a swift kick in the buns. I need to get back into shape. Period. Well, especially if I want to be the next Mrs. Liberty Lake.

But seriously, I already have my platform so when I am done having my babies, watch out Mrs. contestant. I am coming for the crown.

ANYWAY.

It was at dinner that evening when I got a call. 

Cruz had a 103.3 temp and seemed to spiral downhill fast. Nick was taking him back to the urgent care with my mom to find out what was going on. Scary to hear when you are two hours away. 

I have never finished my meal as fast as I did that night.

Turns out what was a right ear infection turned into a double ear infection within 24 hours. 

I am so proud and very thankful for my husband. I do trust him implicitly and know if I am not around as I wasn't on Saturday evening he is the best person to take care of our baby. 

Nick got him the shot he needed, headed next door to the pharmacy to buy his meds and rocked our over-tired, over-sick sad sad babe to sleep.

Cruz ended up sleeping until 8am and had a WAY better Sunday - we played and cuddled all day! He even got a new haircut. Such a big, handsome boy.

I mean, seriously, MMA fighter?? Right?????!?!?!

Next time I will be listening to my mommy gut. When something is not right it is because SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT.

How thankful I am for my husband and my mom (who helped who always helps whenever we need anything) who will do anything to make Cruz feel even 1 % better and for a healthy baby who is finally back to his ever darling, very happy self.

Red Lips + Eskimo Baby

On Friday, I crossed two things off of my to do list. 

1. Find an amazing product to help me achieve (EASILY) a gorge red lip. These days I am needing a red lip - like beyond love a red lip. Maybe it is because I equate a red lip to a with-it, professional. Also when I see cute SAHM moms drive there 2010 suburbans around Liberty Lake, they all are beyond put together. Yes..totally rockin' their red lip.

I would like to be one of those moms.

2. Get Cruz a fun winter hat - one that if standing in front of, I could't NOT buy. 

Check and Check.

Done and Done.

Let's review. 

#1. My product? Oh a Pinterest find? Duh!

 This little baby is a chapstick complete with a little SPF 15! 

It comes in 6 colors:

berry, bronze, crimson, mocha, nude and rose. 

Mine just happens to be crimson. LOVE.

Now, it is not long wearing by any means but it does provide great color without making your lips feel like sandpaper + Death Valley, CA.

Have I yet mentioned that this chapstick is formulated with orange and mint extract to also make you have amazing breath. 

Perfect for french kissing your man.

I picked mine up at Nordstrom for $20. They also sell it at Sephora.

I assure you that while $20 for chapstick does seem a bit crazy, I will be wearing this everyday. 

#2.

Right after I picked up my new chapstick, I grabbed an OVERTIRED (it was 8:30pm - we had just gotten done having an amazing dinner at PF Changs with Nick's parents) Cruz and thought it could be fun to see what fun sale items I could find at Baby Gap. 

It really was meant to be because as we were checking out the amazing winter hat section, the store employee informed me that everything was 40% off. 

Fantastic, because there it was.

A faux-fur WOLF hat. 

OMG.

 

Cruz and I looked at each other - him with a binkie in his mouth, me with a huge grin - and that was it.

 No words needed to be spoken.

I picked up the S/M (in the toddler section) because remember, my son has a big head and off we went. What was originally a $22 hat, we scored for $14!

Immediately, I took my new Eskimo baby and ran down the escalator to show dad our new find. 

Applause all around.

This is what happened next: 

Out like a light.

New red lips and an Eskimo baby? Ahhh...It feels good.

Definitely good for something

I am pretty sure that now EVERYONE knows about Pinterest. It is amazing and addicting and makes me feel completely inadequate as a wife and part time SAHM.

Yes, all of the amazing meals, organization and DIY crafting cause this mama to be completely overrun with guilt. 

Where were my:

Gourmet meals to satisfy Nick's appetite? 

Cruz's homemade baby shoes?

Put together fashion ensembles?

Where was my:

DIY detergent?

Perfect smokey eye?

Design magazine worthy living room?

SOoooo in an effort to make myself feel better, I decided to actually use Pinterest for it's intended purpose and become a crafter. 

Suzy-homemaker here I come. 

It all started this weekend when Nick decided to have a mancation with three of his buddies and head to Pullman for the weekend. 

What would we do with our weekend? Ahhh right. Craft. 

So I packed up Cruz and we headed over to Emily's for the ultimate sleepover. 

Our first project? This little beaut from Pinterest. 

We tried Hobby Lobby first for our supplies - sadly they didn't have the size letter we were hoping for. 

Their cardboard letters were far too small. 

JoAnne's was our next top and bam - we hit the letter jackpot. For around $10 a piece, we were able to find letters, jute twine, black ribbon and felt for three of us (Kelly soon-to-be-Nichols joined us).

I will say this - this was no 2 hour project like someone on Pinterest had claimed. 

Maybe if you had an L like my sister did..but us S's...HA. It took me a good half day of wrapping and gluing to get my S to look like the my Pinspiration.

Here, impressively, is the final product. 

Kelly's N

My S

Em's L

And where my S has come to rest.

I love it!

OMG, just you wait until I bring out the big guns for the front porch...think this in HUGE scale. Cause let's face it...my life's motto? 

Go big or go home.

To make craft day that much sweeter - each hubby/soon to be hubby - commented on how great the new addition is to the decor.

Extra Love!

Not to shabby for our first - of many - Pinterest inspired craft days.