Things I'm thankful for:
1. My son's goofy expressions that have brought me so much laughter.
2. The hope I have in Jesus Christ.
3. Balance.
4. Swimming pools on hot summer days.
5. Air conditioning.
Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Swimming tomorrow (and Thursday). Swimming seems to be the only outdoor play option (unless we want to be sweaty and miserable) and Eli and I both prefer getting out of the house. Plus, my butt needs the exercise, lol.
2. Play group. It's been several weeks since we've attended our regular play group and it will be so good to see our friends!
Things that made me smile this week:
1. We went to a new church this morning. It was the first time in many years that I wasn't leading anyone or responsible for anything. If felt strange to just "be" and not "do". I know it won't be long before I'm ready to jump back in to do whatever God wills, but for now I'm enjoying just resting in Him. And, there wasn't a nursery at our last church. It was really nice to be able to sit and enjoy the service.
2. I know it's nothing new, but Elijah. He's so excited about everything (he has his mother's enthusiasm) and his expressions and reactions are so funny! That child brings me so much joy :)
3. I bought a pair of American Eagle shorts this week and was expecting to pay almost full price for them (the discount they displayed wasn't much of one). When I got to the cash register, they ended up being less than I expected AND I found a coupon for 15% off in my purse. I ended up getting over 50% off the original price. Score!
4. After running into some unexpected problems, I can finally say that our master shower is finally working and our broken threshold under the front door is no longer broken! Big thanks to my daddy and hubby! :)
Current likes:
Baskets and Barn stars
Current dislike:
Laminate furniture (It's so much harder to play with!)
Favorite blog post I came across this week:
Donna from Funky Junk Interiors is constantly blowing me away with her ideas! I love her style and when I saw her Painted wooden crate stairs, I instantly fell in love. Now if I only had a staircase...
Scripture:
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them." - Matthew 18:20
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sincerely Sunday : Here's To New Beginnings
Things I'm thankful for:
1. All you can eat sushi, shrimp and crab legs. Mainly the sushi. I can't get enough of it these days.
2. Having a son with such a cheerful disposition. He brightens my world :)
3. Florida's rain and lightning shows.
Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Getting some of the crafts I have stored up in my head finished so that I can share them with you.
2. Sadly, today was our church's last service. For those of you who are wondering, our old church's pastor (and our good friend) was called away from the ministry he was involved in at that church so that he could have more time to give towards his family and to follow God into the next season of life. During that time, God laid it on our hearts (as well as the youth pastor and his family) to continue leading the people and giving them a place to fellowship until they found new church homes. It has been a year since we made that decision, and today was our last Sunday before moving on to new things. We enjoyed worshipping together and sharing some yummy lunch with the people who have become family. As sad as it to know I won't be seeing the people I've been serving with for many years this Sunday, I know that we'll still see them and I'm really looking forward to the new things God has in store for us :)
Things that made me smile this week:
1. My friend Janine found some windows from the 1920s on Craigslist for a steal and was kind enough to share some of her finds with me. I can't wait to see what I can create with them!
2. Cliff had to work, but I went fishing with his dad and brother all day yesterday. I had a great time and the fact that I am so blessed to have married into a family that I want to spend time with and love as much as my own is definitely smile worthy.
3. Finding some of my really old cds. Music brings back a flood of memories :)
Current like:
Sleep
Current dislike:
The fact that I haven't been getting enough of it
Favorite blog post I came across this week:
Today's post from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar called Looking Forward gave me something to read that I really felt I could relate to. Her Sunshine Sunday posts are always great. I love seeing people who are genuinely thankful for the things they have been given.
Scripture Verses:
"And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." -James 5:15
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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. :)
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. :)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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)
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)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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 :)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
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
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.
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)
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.
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...
"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
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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.
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