Decoupage Wall Art, Version 2.0

In the midst of my shower being retiled and toilet being repaired in the master bathroom, I decided that my bathroom could use some sprucing up.  Ok, and I could use some crafting time.  So, I pulled a canvas out of the garage (thank goodness my artsy husband bought them for himself to use... they're so handy to have lying around, lol) and made another version of my decoupage wall art....

Step 1: Paint the canvas 

Step next: Cut out different flower shapes from coordinating fabrics (the burlap was my favorite)

Third thing: Cut a piece of scrapbook paper in half and mod podge that sucker to your dry canvas, wrapping them around the edges and overlapping them slightly since one piece of paper won't reach across the entire canvas.  (Sorry... forgot to get a photo of this step)


Step four: Decoupage your lovely little flowers all over your canvas. 

Number 5: Use your gluey concoction to stick buttons in the middle of your flowers.  

Last step: Hang canvas over your toilet.  Or somewhere else you think it should go.  :)

Honest To Blog

I get a lot of comments from people saying "I don't know how you do it all."  It may appear that I manage to find time to work on crafts, play with my son and do different activities with him, visit friends and family, and take on every other thing that comes my way all while keeping a tidy home.  But let me assure you, I don't....

No, my house doesn't always look like this.  But there are times when life gets in the way and I have to make choices.... Do I sweep the floors, or let my son sit in my lap and read the book he brought me?  Do I wash the dishes or sit down next to my husband who just wants to spend an hour watching television with me?  


I'm not saying you should forget about cleaning altogether... I know that my husband loves coming home to a clean house and feels more relaxed when he's not looking at a giant mess.  Fortunately, he understands when it gets messy.  The important thing is to not feel inadequate or overwhelmed when you just can't seem to do it all.... nobody can.  I know that's a lot to handle for those of you who are perfectionists and control freaks like me.  It's been a hard concept for me to grasp.  But at the end of the day, I can look at my messy home and know that it's okay because 10 years down the road, it's not going to matter that my house was messy.  What will matter is that my marriage was happy, my children were loved and blessed with the best childhood I could give them, and that I lived my life instead of just wasting it.


I can't remember who said it, but a quote that's stuck with me over the years is this...
"A man would rather have a messy house and a happy wife, then a happy house and a messy wife."


Now go find something fun to do ;0)

Wordless Wednesday : Rub-A-Tub-Tupperware

Team Boy

This morning, instead of going to our usual play group, Eli and I spent a lovely morning with our good friends Janine and Lennon.  The mommies crafted away as our boys played together...

Every day I find myself amazed at how fast they are growing.  There was a time when these two sweet boys would do little more than share a floor during belly time.  Now they are sharing toys, conversations, and special moments with each other... together :)

Sincerely Sunday : A Busy Life Of Love

Things I'm thankful for:

1. Those special days when Cliff and I get to sleep in.  Which leads us to number two...

2. Grandparents.

3. Forgiveness... both for the peace it brings when I've given it, and the grace that's shown to me when I receive it.

4. Good worship music.

5. Girls night out! :)


Something I'm looking forward to:
Being able to take a shower in our new old shower :)  We're still waiting for some stuff to set, but it should be usable in the next few days.  And it looks beautiful!


Favorite Quote:
It's a long one, but it's so great.  It comes from a book I just started reading called "Crazy Love, Overwhelmed By A Relentless God" by Francis Chan...
"What if I said, 'Stop praying"?  What if I told you to stop talking at God for a while, but instead to take a long, hard look at Him before you speak another word?  Solomon warned us not to rush into God's presence with words.  That's what fools do.  And often, that's what we do.
We are a culture that relies on technology over community, a society in which spoken and written words are cheap, easy to come by, and excessive.  We are slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry.
The wise man comes to God without saying a word and stands in awe of Him.  It may seem a hopeless endeavor, to gaze at the invisible God.  But Romans 1:20 tells us that through creation, we see His 'invisible qualities' and 'divine nature.'"
... and that's just the first page :)


Things that made me smile:
1. Having dinner tonight with some of the other mommies from play group.  Without the kiddos.  Our husbands are the best :)
2. Having Eli crawl into my lap and tell me that my necklace is pretty. I am so proud of him and all the words he's learning to use and understand.
3.  Enjoying sushi and a movie with Cliff this weekend.  Date nights don't happen nearly enough!
4. Tickle fights with my boy.  Although this will cease to be fun as soon as he learns to tickle back...
5. Being reminded that some friendships, true friendships, really do last forever.  


Current like:
Florida's rainstorms


Current dislike:
Florida's humidity


Favorite blog post I came across this week:
It's from my beautiful friend Janine's Blog, Always Sunny On Reynolds Drive.  A Side of Catch Up filled us in on the recent happenings of her adorable household (including a vacation, the beginnings of a family room redo, and some gorgeous decorative windows she picked up for a steal!) and her writing style is always refreshing.


Scripture Verse:
"Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"  - Matthew 22:37-39

Wordless Wednesday : Bright Sunshiny Day

Sincerely Sunday : Another Run-On Of Thoughts

Things I'm thankful for:
1. Getting so much done around the house.  It's amazing how getting things clean and organized can bring so much peace to my life.
2. My cell phone.  I don't know how we managed before they existed...
3.  New possibilities.

Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Getting the shower and toilet fixed in our master bathroom.  They've been out of order for far too long and I'm looking forward having them.
2. I was asked to head up a section of a young women's retreat that's coming up in November and we have our first meeting this week to go over the details.  I'm so excited!
3. Going swimming with Eli and a friend I haven't seen in months.
(It's going to be a busy week!)


Favorite quotes:
"Here is the church and here is the steeple, we sure are cute for two ugly people, I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else, but you." - Anyone Else But You (Song from Juno)

Things that made me smile this week:
1. Getting the best pedicure I've ever had with a great friend of mine.
2. Having my sister over to watch movies
3. A few of those blonde moments that popped up.  They're usually embarrassing, but entertaining nonetheless.

Current like:
Low-fat cottage cheese


Current dislike:
Long hair.  I don't plan on chopping it anytime soon, but it's sooooo hot and a lot of work.


Something I've realized:
When I go through a day without blogging, I always feel guilty.  It's just the kind of person I am.  If I commit to something, I stick to it.  If I don't, I beat myself up over it.  But I started to think about it... and I've decided not to feel bad anymore, lol.  Sorry folks... family comes first.  If I don't blog... it's not because I don't love you.  It's because I've been so busy keeping up with a mess of a house, a busy toddler, and the rest of my wonderful family on top of the other random things that life throws my way.


Favorite blog post I came across:
It's a little different from my usual reads.  My husband sent it to me from a blog that he follows called lifehacker about purging your space.  Good read...

Scripture verse:
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." -1 Peter 5:6-7

Wordless Wednesday : Thinking Outside The Box

Meet My Friend

Today I would like to introduce you to a very special friend of mine.  A friend that is always there when needed.  A friend that has made my life easier.  A friend that has carried my burdens and brought me so much comfort.  A friend that is a true servant... always giving and never asking for anything in return.  A friend who, after knowing, I could never live without.  

Everyone... meet my spray grip... thingy...

I know, I have issues... but it makes life so much more fun :)

Seriously though, if you're planning on spray painting anything, I recommend splurging and picking up one of these bad boys.  They're less than $3.00 at Home Depot and will save your poor little finger.

Wordless Wednesday : Blue Eyes

More On Metal Stamping : A Gift For Grandma

I've spent a little time practicing since my metal stamping mishap and I'm absolutely loving it!  Yesterday, we not only celebrated the birth of our nation, but also the birth of my husband's wonderful mother.  Guess what she got for her birthday present?

Yep... I used my mad new skills to make her a necklace.  Yo.  (what?! lol...)  The heart charm has an "E" for Elijah, and as more munchkins come along, more hearts will be stamped :)

Speaking of heart stamping, I also made a little something for myself...

And, just for kicks, here's a photo from yesterday of my little man, looking quite festive...

:)

Sincerely Sunday : Independence Day

Things I'm thankful for:
1.  All of the men and women who have actively fought so that someone like me can live a life of liberty.
2.  The things that my son unknowingly teaches me.  The things that I never could have learned without becoming a mother.
3.  Knowing that I have such an amazing creator... that this life didn't happen by chance and I'm not alone in it.  My God cares about every aspect of my life.  My God knew the number of hairs on my head before I was ever born.  My God hears me when I pray.  My God provides for me, like an earthly father provides for his children.  My God is patient.  My God loves me like no one else.... even when I'm not so lovable.  How could I be anything but thankful?
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Something I'm looking forward to:
Celebrating our independence tonight with some old friends!
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Favorite quotes:
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.  We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." - Ronald Reagan

"O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause, it is just
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"  -Francis Scott Key (Star-Spangled Banner)

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  -United States Declaration of Independence
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Things that made me smile this week:
1. Friday night while watching a movie, Eli cuddled up next to me and brushed my hair with a wooden spoon.
2. After playing in the rain yesterday, my husband started telling me how great he thinks I am at being a mother, because while he's thinking about getting in from the rain, I'm thinking of experiencing it.  He said he's glad that I let our son experience things.  It meant a lot to me :)
3. Hearing Eli say "pacifier" over and over.  I don't know if it's because he's excited that he can say such a big word or because he can finally tell us what he wants.  Either way, it sure is cute... sounds more like "fuh-fire."  I know what you mean kiddo...
4.  Talking to my step-sister in North Carolina.  I haven't talked to her in a long time, but we recently spent some time catching up through facebook.  Even though we are several years apart and haven't talked in years, it was refreshing to see that we had so much in common and could find comfort in each other regarding some things we've both had to face.
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Current like:
Ice cream cones.  Preferably soft-serve in a cake cone.  Something about the last bite where the ice cream gets stuck in the little holes in the bottom of the crispy cone that brings so much delight to my world :)
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Current dislike:
Bugs.  Not that I've ever liked them, but now that it's raining so much, we're seeing a lot of them and it's reminding me just how much I dislike them.  It's a lot.
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Something I've realized:
I've always had certain people that I've looked up to.  Those people that I look at and think, "I wish I could be like them."  But I've realized that I've come to a point in my life where I don't think that anymore.  I know who I am, and I like being me.  I am bubbly and happy, but I'm not naive.  I'm growing more and more patient over time.  I struggle with being compassionate, but I'm always trying to get better.  I am opinionated, but never rude.  I am quick to love.  I am loyal and once I've made a real friendship, it will never fade... no matter how little I see or talk to the person.  I am silly and clumsy.  I try to make the best out of bad situations.  I love to laugh, even if it's at myself.  I am awkward.  I talk a lot, but usually know when to keep my mouth shut.  I have no desire to be involved in gossip.  I have integrity.  I am confident and insecure.  I believe I have been given the gift of encouragement.  I love making people feel good and giving them reasons to smile.  I am a glass-half-full person.  I am an overachiever when it comes to things I'm interested in, and believe that I can do anything that I want to do.  I am sensitive to others' feelings.  I am strong.  I appreciate honesty.  I love life, and want to live it to the fullest with the people I love the most.  I am a constant work in progress.
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Favorite blog post I came across this week:
Creative Urges shared a great tutorial on making a Placemat Scripture Bag/Tote Bag that is just darling!
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Scripture Verses:
"My Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."  - James 1:2-8
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I hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July!  

Kiss Me In The Rain

Although we woke up to dull, gray skies, our day was anything but gloomy.  We started the morning in our favorite sort of fashion.  Donning comfy P.J.'s, Daddy and Eli watched some Saturday morning cartoons...

While Momma whipped up some chocolate chip muffins...

Served up with some fresh fruit, it made for a very happy start to our day.

With satisfied bellies (and taste buds!), we headed for the pool.  This, however, was a short adventure.  Yesterday's rain made the water very cold, but we still enjoyed splashing around and giggling for a little while before nap time.  


Florida's afternoon showers brought kisses in the rain...

I am so thankful for perfect days like these. 

Metal Stamping And My Mishaps

I love the look of hand-stamped jewelry and have seen a lot about it while wondering around in blog land. I finally decided to try it myself...

Take one:

My "be" charm. This was a disaster. The stamps weren't going deep enough into the metal to make the impression I wanted. I went over the letters with permanent marker, but didn't realize until after I'd done it that I didn't have a wet cloth to wipe over it in order to remove anything that wasn't down in the lettering. Oops! By the time I got the wet rag, the marker had completely dried and instead of my charm looking stamped, it looked like it had just been written on with a permanent marker. Not attractive.

Take two:

This went a little better, but still far from perfect. I don't think the dog tag was actually made for stamping. The back was not completely flat, so you can see circles around the letters from my stamps. While stamping the heart, I ran into the same problem I'd had with my first charm. I was beginning to think that I had purchased faulty stamps when my oh-so-wise father-in-law (who was watching me in my frustration) reminded me that stamping on the dining room table probably wasn't going to give me my desired results. I had completely forgotten that the table would absorb the shock from me hammering the stamp into the metal. So I laid my blank pendant on a concrete floor and it worked perfectly. Yeah, I felt pretty silly.

Now that I've had some practice and made some mistakes to learn from, I am excited to see what kind of creations I can come up with :)