Mornings

It's almost 9:00 AM and I'm the only one up in the house. Well, except the dog. I think Chris is awake, just not up and moving yet.

I've been faced with the same decision since 6:45 this morning: try to lay back down for a while or be productive. You see, Grandma was up every couple of hours from midnight on, adamant that she had slept "all day and all night." Finally, at 6:45, I gave up and decided to start the day. I go into her room to get her up, she wants the baby in bed with her, I tell her there isn't a baby, we argue about it, she's not sure she wants to get up. I go into the kitchen to get a drink, she falls back asleep. I lay down in the guest room, hear her talking as I'm about to fall back asleep, go check on her only to realize she's talking in her sleep. At that point, I make the decision to start my day. She has continued to sleep through me gathering the trash and carrying it out, running the blender to make my smoothie, noises in the kitchen (which is right next to her room), and the phone ringing. I keep thinking I would like to lay back down for a few minutes, but I know she'll wake up as soon as I do. So, I'm enjoying the quiet time to myself. I do appreciate quiet mornings, but I also appreciate my sleep! ::sigh::

Window Turned into Idea Board

My parents remodeled their living room and dining room a few years back and gave me one of the old windows they replaced. I had them hanging in living room in our house in Illinois. We also had one hanging in our living room in our house in Texas.

Windows hanging in living room in Illinios

When we moved into this house, we put one of the windows in our guest bedroom.

Window in guest bedroom with scrapbook paper

 

 

Before: Empty window hanging in my craft room

I also wanted one in my craft room. I had trouble deciding what I wanted to do with it. I thought I might find some pretty fabric to hang behind it or maybe blow up a picture. It just stayed blank for several months. Then a few weeks ago, I had several ideas floating around in my brain and needed somewhere to write them down where they could be seen. I grabbed a dry erase marker and wrote on the window. The idea hit me to find some scrapbook paper to match my colors, but that would also be light enough to still see the writing, and make the window an idea board.

After: Pretty scrapbook paper behind the glass and dry erase marker to write on the glass

I found the paper at JoAnn and Hobby Lobby. I love how it turned out! Now I have plenty of room to keep my lists and it's pretty!

After: Window turned into idea board

33rd Wedding Anniversary

Today is my parents' 33rd wedding anniversary. I am thankful for the example they have shown us of a committed, loving, and faithful marriage. It is a blessing and an honor to be able to think of them today and wish them many more wonderful years together. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! I love you!

Mom and Dad's engagement picture

Mom and Dad on their wedding day 5-19-1979

5-19-1979

Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad on their 30th wedding anniversary

Healthy Snack Options

Snacking throughout the day is one thing that always gets me when I try to stay focused on eating healthy. I've been trying to find healthy(er) snack options to keep around the house that don't cost a fortune. Here are a few I've tried and really enjoyed:

Salt and Vinegar Chick Peas

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I love salt and vinegar chips and I love chick peas, so this was a win-win for me! They were super easy to make and irresistible! My pantry is now stocked with chick peas at all times. 

 

Frozen Yogurt Dots

 

 

 

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Who doesn't love frozen yogurt? I love yogurt just about any way, but it's more refreshing when frozen. I squirted yogurt droplets on a baking sheet covered in wax paper, threw it in the freezer for an hour or two, and had a tasty treat ready when I wanted it.

Peach Smoothie

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  I enjoy smoothies for breakfast or as a snack and I'm always looking to try new combinations. One of my favorites is banana, peanut butter, spinach, and coconut milk. But this peach smoothie ranks pretty high up there now. This was so refreshing and yummy! Now, the recipe has alcohol as an option addition, but I refrained.

Fun with the Little Ones

Grandma and Ruth riding in the wheelchair together.

 Last Monday, I had a day full of kids and I loved it! Since I don't have any kids of my own or nieces and nephews (yet!), I'll just borrow other people's kids! In the morning I got to spend a few hours with Miss Audrey, which was a lot of fun. After that I picked up Britt and Ruth for the day. Gary B. and Danielle were working on panting the sanctuary, so I offered to take the kids to make it a little easier. They both fell asleep on the way back to our house, but after their naps we ate a quick lunch (well, Britt refused to eat, but I didn't take it personally) and headed to the park.

Britt climbing up the "big ladder"

He was so proud when he made it to the top!

Britt was so excited to go to the park. When we pulled into the parking lot and he saw the playground, he said "We made it to the park. Grandma, do you see the park? We made it!" It was adorable! It was a little challenging since I had Britt, Ruth, and Grandma. The park is next to a lake and I kept having these visions of one of the kids taking off and falling in the lake. My imagination can run wild sometimes! I put Grandma in her wheelchair, plopped Ruth on her lap, made Britt help push the chair, and away we went. It was pretty cute to see Ruth sitting on Grandma's lap. We played at the park for almost two hours. It had been awhile since I had played at the park with little ones, and I forgot how exhausting it is to go up and down stairs, down the slide, and push the swings! It was fun, but I sure was tired!

After we were done at the playground, we walked across the street to see the ducks and geese. One goose came out of the water and came pretty close to us to eat corn someone had left. I was a little scared at first, but Britt was so excited to see it coming close. We stayed and watched for quite a while and talked all about the ducks, geese, and other birds.

Watching the ducks and geese.

Looking across the lake and watching for fish.

Once we came back home and had a snack, Britt wanted to go swimming. We didn't have their swim clothes and the water was still a bit chilly, so we sat on the edge and put our feet in the water. We talked all about the floating chair, the alligator thermometer, and the beach. Chris came home around this time and Britt was very excited to play with "Brudder Chris." The rest of the evening was spent wrestling, watching Land Before Time, and playing with Mr. Potato Head and the horse. Chris also got a good laugh out of antagonizing Britt with Wesley. Ruth would follow Wesley around and laugh, but Britt didn't want to get close to him. He would jump up in the chair and just watch. Chris kept making Wesley bark. Ruth would get this terrified look on her face, then laugh. Britt would say, "Hush, Weswey, hush!" It was quite comical.

Longing and wishing to go for a swim. (sorry for the blurry picture!)

It was a fun day and the kids were SOO good! Ruth was pretty much asleep by the time we pulled out of the driveway, but Britt talked my ear off the whole way home! Britt already blogged about his day with me.

Baby Gifts

As soon as I found out my best friend was having a baby, my mind started turning with ideas of all the things I could make for this little one. Of course, I had to wait until she found out she was having a GIRL until I could get started. I loved quilting, sewing, and crafting for this little one. Her momma is extra special to me and Baby P already has a special place in my heart.

The quilt was the first thing done. It was definitely a labor of love, but so much fun. It was my first experience quilting, so I did a lot of learning along the way. This series of tutorials by Diary of a Quilter was incredibly helpful! I would have been completely lost without it and the YouTube videos I watched. Despite the many mistakes and imperfections, I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

I made a Onesie Dress with a tutorial from Barefoot in the Kitchen. I love how it turned out!

My absolute favorite gift I made was this appliqued owl onesie. I was so in love with it when I was finished that I wanted to keep it! I had never done applique before, so it was a learning experience. It took quite a while and resulted in a few injuries, but I finished victorious. I used this printable owl pattern.

Apparently tag blankets (or taggies) are all the rave lately. I see them all over the place. I think they're great for sensory integration for the little ones. I used some scraps and my ridiculous ribbon supply to put one together for Baby P.


Every new momma needs a good nursing cover and burp cloths! This nursing cover from Sew Much Ado is my favorite to make. Obviously I don't have any experience using it to know how well it works, but it sure is cute! Burp cloths made from cloth diapers and a flannel insert are also a favorite of mine to make for new moms.

What's a little girl to do without some cute bows for her hair?!? I made a couple to go with the onesie dress and the owl onesie, plus a few extras. I found this collection of 40 hairbow tutorials, which was amazing and super helpful.

Finally, I made a little wall hanging for the nursery. Brittney's mom and Ryan's mom sang this song to them when they were both babies and I'm sure Baby P will fall asleep to it every night too. I used my Silhouette for the letters.

Visit Home

This past weekend I flew home to Illinois to attend my best friend's baby shower and spend some time with my family. It was a quick trip, but a lot of fun and much needed.

My parents and sister picked me up at the airport Friday afternoon and we headed out to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. We all stuffed ourselves and picked out cheesecake to take home for later. We did a little shopping and Dad wanted to take me to buy a new lens for my camera. I've been wanting to get a new lens for quite some time, but can never make myself spend the money. So Dad gave me a little push and shove. Thanks Dad!

My new lens!

A shot with my new lens. 35 mm/f2.4

Saturday morning was Brittney's shower. She didn't know I was going to be there and it was fun to surprise her. Brittney and I have been best friends since 6th grade and have been through a lot together. It was really special for me to be there and see her cute little belly. The shower was a lot of fun and I stayed a few extra hours to visit with Brittney and her family. There is never enough time to catch up when you live 1000+ miles away and haven't seen each other in almost 2 years.

Me and Brittney

I worked on several special projects for Baby P, including my very first quilt. I learned that it is a lot of fun sewing for a little one, especially girls! I enjoyed being able to work on the gifts and imagine a mini Brittney enjoying them.

Pile of gifts ready to be packed.

Brittney opening the quilt I made.

Sunday evening we visited with my grandparents and went to supper at a Mexican restaurant. Mom, Tasha, and I had stopped at a cake shop before the shower and picked up cupcakes for teh family. We enjoyed those Saturday night after our Mexican. They were delicious! They are made by the same cake shop that did our wedding cake, Patty Cakes. The owner has been on (and won) several different cake competitions on Food Network. Tasha and I did some cooking for lunch at church. We were especially excited to make some colored deviled eggs. We also made a carrot cake cheesecake and chicken artichoke lasagna.

Patty Cakes in Highland

Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Our colored deviled eggs, as inspired by Pinterest.

Sunday morning we attended services at the church where I grew up, Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church. I enjoyed visiting and catching up with everyone there, especially the little ones. Sunday night we just rested and enjoyed some time together as a family. Dad grilled for us, which is always yummy!

I had an early flight Monday morning. It's always sad to leave, but we look forward to the next visit.

Anna Maria Island - - Church Beach Trip

This past weekend, a group of our church family headed down to Anna Maria Island, FL to spend the day at the beach. It was such a beautiful and relaxing day! I'm ready to go back! We enjoyed soaking up the sun, listening to the soothing sound of the waves and seagulls, playing in the sand, laughing together, eating a delicious lunch, and thanking God for his beautiful creations.

Britt has been talking about going swimming for several weeks now. He had this idea that Chris (or Bruder Chwis) was going to take him swimming. They played at the beach together for quite a while.

I love this picture. Later in the day as we were getting ready to leave, Britt came up to Chris (unprompted) and said, "thank you for coming to the beach" in his sweetest voice. It was adorable.

Grandma wasn't all that excited about the beach. She stayed up on the porch of the beach house most of the day, asking if it was time to go home yet. We did get her to come sit down by the water for a bit in the afternoon.