Bel Kai Designs

little einstein

2009-11-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

So, E needed glasses...and here he is...they fit him, no? I was way worried it would be a battle to get him to keep them on. They must be helping, because it hasn't been much of a struggle (yet).

Next posts will be all business - but fun business! Stay tuned...

happy halloween!

2009-10-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Yep - this is the best picture of the gang :: spiderman taking the presidential oath, a yelling pegasus unicorn, a very serious dumbo and a sweet (& confused?) butterfly. Oh and an oh-so-cute chili pepper...

E is still sick so we couldn't go to the fall festival at Brooke's church, so we stayed behind and gave out candy...

fall in signal mountain

2009-10-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

checking daily on our friend, the pet spider...

Last night, we had dinner {homemade butternut squash soup - yummy, Brooke!} by fireside. And celebrated E's birthday (again) with pumpkin oat muffins {also deee-lish} and of course, smores.

S is loving all of the activity - lots to watch with four other little ones running around. Unfortunately, E is sick now, but it isn't slowing him down too much. I am enjoying the help and company - taking care of S lately has been quite exhausting. So, Brooke and I switched responsibilities tonight (she took care of S while I did kitchen cleanup and finished dinner with the other kids) - that was a little refreshing for me and gave me the chance to miss him again. ;) It's nice being here - and I love coming in the fall. I realized earlier that this is the third year in a row that Elliot and I have come to Chattanooga in either October/November - the perfect time of year to come. Gigi (my mom - that's what the kiddos call her) arrives tomorrow...can't wait! Hopefully I'll have pics of the kids in costumes this weekend - depends on how E is doing. Hope you are having a great week!

oh and have you seen a sweeter face than this?!? what a sweetie my niece is - and when I say sweetie, I mean little firecracker that will barely crack a smile for me. ;)

pic heavy post

2009-10-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

We made it safe and sound - not too much drama to report. This may be one of the few times I have traveled with children when I haven't had flight delays/cancellations, so that was a welcome change. But, as a friend commented in my last post, I unfortunately did NOT sit next to a grandma who was missing her grandchildren on either plane...but all was well. S did a great job of sleeping/eating and E did a great job of playing (thanks to the toys I brought along that he had never laid eyes on - my tip that NEVER fails me on flights).

Finally got around to looking at pics from our visit to the pumpkin patch a couple of weeks ago...

Still can't believe he went down this huge slide...

best buds...

and S is usually sleeping in my sling, but here is a recent pic - he's doing a bit better - screaming a little less, sleeping a little more... ;)

off to see...

2009-10-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

...the beautiful fall foliage in the mountains of Tennessee. Yep - we're leaving tomorrow -me and the boys - if you recall, it's not quite what I would call a fun journey. Well worth it in the end. I'm feeling my nerves about traveling with both of them as I write this - and oh yeah, waking them up at 3:45am to leave. Good times, right?

I will hopefully have time to post pics while we are there. Over the past few weeks, we participated in the walk, went to the pumpkin patch a couple of times, celebrated E's 3rd birthday and I have pictures from all of it, but haven't had a lick of time to post. Life is busy. And business is starting to pick up for the holidays. Yup - I said it, the holidays. They're right around the corner, ya know.

So, I'm off. I decided not to take my jewelry supplies with me this time, so if you do place an order for a custom piece sometime between now and November 3rd, it will not ship until November 5th. If the order is for an already designed piece, no problem - my husband is at home and can ship it right away.

Let me know if you have any questions! Talk soon...

hudson wayne

2009-10-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is my nephew, Hudson Wayne. He was born on July 3rd, 2002 - he would be 7 years old right now but he lived only two short days. I have started writing this so many times and can't even count the number of times I have written, ~~deleted~~, written, edited... because really, there are no words. Still. After 7 years. I didn't understand it then {why it had to happen} and I still don't. What I will say...I am thankful that I was able to meet him, to touch his precious little toes and watch him squirm. I am thankful that we will have the opportunity to see him again one day. I am still in awe of my sister's strength and faith. I am rejoicing that God has since blessed my sister and her husband with three {adorable} children since Hudson.

It wasn't until I became a mother that I got a taste (just a taste) of what it must have felt like to carry a child, your first, a baby, a gift from God and then have him taken away. My first son spent a couple of days in the nursery when he was born...I wasn't able to hold him and he didn't come home right away because of a minor complication. There, for the first time I understood the idea of a "broken heart"...it literally felt like my heart was ripping in two. I went home one night without him and I felt as though I was in a dark hole. ONE night. Again...it was just a taste and it feels silly to even compare that to a lifetime here on Earth without your child. But for me, in that moment, I couldn't help but think of Hudson and Brooke - and how she must have felt - and how I probably wasn't there for her like I should have been - and just how powerful a mother's love really is.

Because of Hudson, my heart remains heavy for parents that have lost a child. I am writing about Hudson now because I am participating in the OC Walk to Remember this Saturday. It is my 2nd time that I will be memorializing him in this way. It is a really wonderful organization that supports parents who have lost a baby in pregnancy or early infancy. OCWTR was founded by Kristyn von Rotz, you can read her personal story here.

OC Walk to Remember asked me to be a vendor at the event this year- to be there to display some of my collection. To be honest, at first it felt weird, going to profit from someone's loss. But you know the more I thought about it ... creating jewelry is my passion and work...it is something {however little} that I can do. A piece of jewelry is tangible and lasts forever. I think it's important to have meaningful tokens to remember a life...something tangible. And, of course, a portion of proceeds (25%), will go to OCWTR. Proceeds from the walk go to local hospitals and support groups, as well as national organizations. The walk has helped fund memory box programs at several local hospitals, so parents have footprints, blankets, and other items to take home following their baby’s death. In addition, cameras and photo printers have been donated to local hospitals so photos can be taken of the baby and given to the parent.

Thanks for listening! Sorry for the light posts lately. Life...it's busy!

sweet little boy

2009-09-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

if i was a writer...

2009-09-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

...i would have entered this contest from Real Simple earlier in the year - with an essay answering the question "When did you realize that you had become a grown-up?". And here is my answer :: There is nothing that makes you feel more grown-up than paying a babysitter to have a night out on the town. Wasn't I the one babysitting just a couple of years ago? Now the tables have turned and I am asking the girls that babysit my boys what shoes to wear with my outfit as I rush out the door {because I no longer know what is in style}... girls that look and seem like my peers - but really, I am a decade older. A decade. What?! When did that happen?!

It happened just the other night...my sister-in-law and her adorable baby girl, who will be soon celebrating her 1st birthday, came to visit from Chicago - they were here almost a week. We had a perfect time - as perfect as it can be when you are outnumbered by three children under the age of 3. ;) Here is a picture of us heading out to enjoy wine, sushi and good conversation. {...the prom-like photo was taken, of course, in front of the mantel of my fireplace by our babysitter.}

And a picture of me with E, because he was feeling all left out.

What is your answer? When did you first realize you were a grown-up?

end of summer

2009-09-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

We ended our summer with a visit from Lance's parents last week -- they stayed at a nearby hotel so we were able to take advantage of the swimming pool -- which we had all to ourselves. It was really nice for E. The last time we took E to a pool, he screamed and wailed until we let him out. He did much better this time. He kept saying "look mama. I brave. I swimming."

And S...oh where do I start? He's growing. Talk about night and day difference from E. S is a mover and a shaker and our prediction is that he will continue to hit milestones at a very rapid pace. He still really likes the sound of his own voice - at very high decibels - but through the screams, I am finding it a joy to be his mama. I was just sitting here working and looked over and saw this...

Oh how I love the view from my office.

Here are a couple more. It remains to be seen if he will be a thumb-sucker, but he definitely has found it a lot lately, as well as his fist.

Working on a couple of new ideas but it may be a couple weeks until the reveal. Gotta find some time. Anyone know where I can get any?!

Family Tree Necklace

2009-09-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Facebook giveaway helped me design this new pendant for her FREE necklace. It features a family tree design - the birds can be added or changed to represent your own family. And can also be customized using names or without names.

You can find it here...

Japanese Gardens

2009-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

We spent some time at the Japanese Gardens at Cal State Long Beach today. Lance and I went to a beautiful wedding there a few months after we moved to California 4 1/2 years ago and even though I pass it almost daily, we have never gone back. I'm feeling silly that I've never taken E. He l o v e d it - I knew he would! There is a huge koi pond, beautiful plants, trees, vibrant flowers and so much to discover and explore!

Adoption Journey Necklace

2009-08-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for this piece was from the adoption story of a family who rescued a sweet little boy from an orphanage from the city of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia this past year.

I designed this pendant showing the continent of Africa, Ethiopia highlighted and a small red circle pinpointing the city of Addis, where Escher David was found {love the name!}. The pendant can be customized using other countries, names, initials, dates - whatever you choose!

I'm sure you have known at least one or two families who have adopted or are currently trying to adopt - if you do, you know that it is NOT an easy process. I think this would be a really special gift for a mom to mark the end of the adoption process but also the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as a family!

You can find it here...

Custom Japanese Blossom Necklace

2009-08-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

One of our most popular designs - the cherry blossom print - is now the feature for this new custom design ::

You can find it here!

motherhood necklaces

2009-08-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

I have had some requests for pieces that are more generic and don't use names/initials. Here are two brand new designs for moms :: {more family pieces to come}

You can find them here and here.

10 Years

2009-08-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

Wow - 10 years - it's a little hard to believe! Lance and I met in the fall of 1996 {at a 70's party at college}, which means we've been together almost 13 years. How am I old enough to say that? When I think of all we have experienced together, 10 years sounds just about right...

my last year of college our first year together,
the ins and outs of a record deal or two,
band gigs and road trips,
moving 6 times,
the last move - across the country to a place where we didn't know a soul {scary!},
a huge career change for Lance,
two beautiful baby boys...

We've made some really wonderful friends along the way and have had some fun times!! We have learned a lot about each other and ourselves throughout the happy & difficult times. Then I think of all that God still has in store for us & raising our boys together...when we've been married 50+ years, we'll probably look back on these first ten years as just a blip. ;)

Lance Aaron :: there is no one I would rather walk alongside in this journey of life. I love you!

family time

2009-08-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

I took these while waiting at one of our favorite restaurants recently. We went for lunch after some time at the beach, so E was still cold from being wet {hence the sweatshirt of mine that he is wearing}. Look at that crazy hair - I just love it. People still get rather confused about whether or not he is a boy or a girl and they always say "sorry...it's the curly hair"!?! It doesn't really compute with me...when did God stop giving boys curly hair? :)

And, I just wanna say that I think my husband is a cute one, too - 10 years this week - more on that Thursday.

calling all facebook-ers ::

2009-08-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Become a fan of bel kai designs on facebook and enter the giveaway for a FREE custom necklace! You can enter by next Monday at 10:00pm (pdt).

2009-08-13T14:18:00.001-07:00

2009-08-12T09:36:00.001-07:00

I have nothing to say here. Just wanted to show you what a cute baby we have. Oh and I think I am seeing evidence of curls in his hair as it grows.

So happy about that.

customer creations

2009-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

I just love it when a customer has their own idea for a pendant. I love creating, but I definitely get creator's block from time to time. Here are a couple of pendants that I have designed alongside the customer - both were given as a gift for someone else.

I received an email from a friend of a friend who lost her daughter, Tessa, when she was 9 months pregnant. She wanted to give her best friend something special for all she did for her during that difficult time. So, together, we came up with the piece {on the left} after she found this quote {an old Swedish proverb} that expressed how she felt. I love how it turned out!

I piece on the right was designed for a customer who wanted a gift for a friend that she mentors who is getting ready to graduate. Perfect, huh? The verse is taken from the bible...jeremiah 29:11. I personally have always been comforted by the hope and assurance that this verse brings and this is one of my favorite designs for a pendant, too - I may just make one for myself!

And finally, here are two I designed at Christmas-time for a father that wanted to give his two daughters necklaces made just for them ::

I really do consider it an honor to be able to make a piece of jewelry that will be a lasting keepsake for someone. See?! The possibilities really are endless. So, if you have an idea, I can make it happen. Just try me... :)

2009-08-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

no newborns here!

2009-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well, at two months old {yesterday} S has officially graduated from the newborn stage, as evidenced by the serious chub shown below. Boy is he cute.

Elliot is looking so serious in this pic, don't ya think? Whenever I see pictures of him looking serious, I see a lot of me in him {hmmm - is that a good thing?}. It is pretty much the only time I see me in him, since he looks so strikingly similar to Lance. Adorable shirt is from the Outfit - designed by klt works. {both mom-owned businesses...gotta love it!}

disney

2009-08-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

So, it was my birthday last week and we decided to do Disneyland. Yes, you read that right...it was MY birthday....not E's. Not quite my 1st choice for a birthday celebration {thinking more along the lines of a spa and something involving chocolate}. But we're thrifty and decided to take advantage of the free admission on your birthday and since E is not yet three years old, we only had to purchase one ticket. So, with great dread, we planned a day at Disney. I have many friends who love Disney, buy the season passes, etc. I really was trying to keep an open mind. But, ya know what? I'm still not much of a fan. Lines, heat, people, at least one tantrum, expensive food...sorry friends, not for me. I admit, I did have fun seeing the wonder & delight in E's eyes all day - but I swear he's just as happy at the beach {as am I}, which is only 4 blocks away and FREE. Anyway...here are a few photos from the day...

Summertime Sale is Still ON! 15% off your entire purchase - code "summertime". Ends August 15th!

8 weeks

2009-07-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

S is almost 8 weeks - wow! We've been enjoying his sweet smiles for awhile, but just finally got around to photographing them. Precious.

Cute shirt from Chicago is courtesy of Aunt Dannah. Thank you Dannah!

more pics

2009-07-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

More from my sister's visit. We had a great time!

Sale is ON! Some items have sold out - the end date isn't until August 15th, but I suggest if you have your eye on something, snatch it up! Many items are limited in quantity.