the windle family

2012 home shtuff

2012-02-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

Just like last year, I'm getting around to my DIY house goals a month into the new year. whatever. This year I'm going to try to finish up all the rooms that are 3/4 finished, and have a few new projects.

1. Clean, organize, goodwill, throw out and organize our finished basement (already started).

2. Create a collage wall in the living room reading nook.

3. Paint vanity and frame out builder grade mirror in half bath.

4. Paint master bath, get new lighting, frame out builder grade mirror.

5. Get new lighting and frame out the builder grade mirror in the hall bath.

6. Paint guest bedroom a lovely gray and paint ceiling, trim and closet doors white.

7. Move guest bed to the basement and somehow create a play room/guest bed area.

8. Make Everett a big boy bedroom!

9. Find a nice large piece of art for the dining room.

10. Clean up the walkout area below the deck.

Still to finish from last years list (whoops):

1. Get artwork for master bath and master bedroom.

2. Paint ceiling fan in master bedroom.

There you have it. Lots of little things and a few big jobs. Sorry husband- we've got work to do!

ALOHA baby!

2012-02-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, we had dinner with our friends Steve and Helene. Aaron and Steve were best friends in high school and have been friends ever since. Steve was in our wedding and Aaron was in his. We try to hang out every time they're in PA and any time we are in the vicinity of their home in Richmond, Virginia. So anyway, we had dinner together a few weeks ago, and randomly Steve asked if we were going on vacation this summer. We said yes, probably the usual Canada and my parents cottage in Tionesta. And then Steve blurted out, "Do you want to go to Hawaii?" Umm ... is that really a question?! We just about fell off our chairs! You see, Aaron and I have been trying to plan a vacation to celebrate 5 years of marriage. Things kept coming up- 4 new tires, bonuses spent on health funds, and we were no closer to a second honeymoon than back in July. Enter proposed Hawaii trip. Steve and Helene are going in May, have a 2 bedroom timeshare and they invited us to come! Free place to stay with great friends = awesome! All we needed to do was figure out a way to pay for the plane tickets. Enter tax refund. Normally we'd spend it on something like paying off student loans or try to save it, but the chance to go to Hawaii may never come around again! Tonight we made it official. We sat on the couch, compared flights and then booked two tickets to Kauai, Hawaii in May! We are SO excited!!! Hawaii here we come!

what a difference curtains make

2012-02-07T15:37:00.001-05:00

So remember last year when I finally, one year late, revealed Everett's nursery? Yeah, well, another year after that, I feel like the space is finally finished. It only took 2+ years. When we started the nursery, I had a hard time deciding on window treatments. I decided I didn't want curtains because of the nice big windows and originally found these cute bamboo roll down blinds. I loved all of the light that streamed into the room and then quickly changed my mind when I realized it was waking Everett up with the sun. Insert faux wood blinds here. These were better at blocking out the sunlight, but I just kept thinking that something was missing.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I've been brainstorming ideas for Everett's big boy room. He's found his way out of his crib multiple times and it's making me think that we're going to need to switch his bed soon. I was randomly looking at west elm's website and found these amazing curtains! I'm going with gray and white in his room and so these looked like just the right fit. Best of all they were on a super sale, so I snatched them right up! Much to my surprise, when they showed up at my house they were not gray at all, but brown. It was quite a lucky surprise considering they looked perfect in the nursery (and the fact that I couldn't return them)! So here's Everett's room reveal- take two.

as you can tell i'm no photographer- stupid light

the curtains are closed pretty much all day because of nap time and night time

the actual design- love it!

And just for kicks- a quick before/after:

So there you have it. Another room reveal. I'm loving these curtains. I never realized what a huge difference curtains make until I started making them focal points in my house (here and here). I've also since decided that getting new curtains are like buying new clothes, but better.

so much to learn

2012-02-03T15:14:00.000-05:00

As a parent, you think you have so much to teach your kid. I mean you do, really. What I didn't know is how much I would learn from him and how much Everett could teach me in two short years. I don't know what it is about life that somehow at 28 you can lose some perspective about little things in life and sometimes the important stuff in life.

Most days I am "busy" checking things off my list and sometimes am too busy for others. I didn't notice it until Everett really started talking and understanding the concept of hello. Everywhere we go, he says hello to the people we pass. In the grocery store, in the parking lot, out to dinner, at the playground. He makes eye contact and says hello to everyone he sees. He doesn't pay attention to age or gender or race. He doesn't mind if people are crabby or don't say hello back. He still continues to say hello to the people we meet. It's the sweetest and it's a lesson that I needed to learn. A lesson in loving people no matter who they are or if I even know them. Learning that sometimes giving someone a hello and a smile is what they needed right then, and evidence that someone cares.

Everett- you're such a good teacher. Thanks for helping me become a better mama and wife and person. I'm so glad you're mine.

Come on- don't you want to say hello to this?!

some doggie love

2012-01-28T01:03:00.000-05:00

Tonight I watched the movie Marley and Me. I've already seen it, and I still cried like 4 separate times. Just such a sweet story of life and family and a crazy dog. It reminded me again why we got our dogs in the first place... because we love them. because we want them. because they were the first kiddos in our family --- the first of my babies that I learned how to sacrifice for and love and take care of.

Sometimes it's hard to see past the daily taking the dogs out and cleaning up their poop and random barking outbursts that wake up sleeping children (read Everett). Somewhere in the daily grind of life as a working mom last year, I lost some joy in my doggies. They weren't doing anything different, just wanting attention from someone who didn't have any to give. Being a stay at home mom has been really good for Marley and Kai too. They're a little less crazy, and a lot less attention deprived. Interestingly enough, Kai has become even more attached to his mama just like Everett.

It's strange how it can take a movie to have you reflect on what you've got and what you're sometimes taking for granted... like the fact that our son is madly in love with our doggies. So much so that he insists on saying goodnight and I love you to both dogs, every night. So much so that he insists on sleeping with two stuffed dogs that are no doubt replicas of his favorite playmates. So much so that each morning he yells "doggies!" doggies" while still in bed. So much so that he wants share his food with them all day long. So much so that he doesn't mind being run over, bumped into, knocked over, or licked to death.

Here's to you Kai baby. Thai! Thai! to Everett. My sweet one. My "I'm going wherever you go" dog. My playful puppy.Everett's favorite. I love your soft fur and sweet kisses.

And here's to you my Marley dog. Mar-nee to Everett. My smart one. My "I'll do anything for a treat" dog. My crotchety old man dog. I love your head tilts and the way you curl up under my feet in bed and that occasionally for a treat you let Everett take a "ride."

Two big dogs in a townhouse can make life a little harder, a little more complicated. But, having dogs, our dogs, certainly makes life sweeter.

the best of decisions

2012-01-24T15:40:00.002-05:00

Marry the right person.

This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

via

I saw this on pinterest the other day and it just reminded me so much of my relationship with Aaron. It's been something that I've been reflecting on and thanking God for a lot this past year. Neither of us will ever claim to have the perfect marriage, but I think we both agree that it's pretty great. There is an incredible friendship that others see and have asked us about. Really, if I could only have one friend ever, it'd be Aaron. We even started out our relationship as friends, both floundering college freshman trying to sort out who we were. I think that base, that friendship, has just continued to grow and became such an incredible foundation for our marriage.

And so, that's what I'm thinking about and thanking God for today. For my sacrificing husband, who does the dishes at 6:30am before he leaves for work because he knows how much I hate them. For my kind husband, who only laughs and then kisses me when I'm still wearing the clothes I woke up in. For my sweet husband, who gets up with Everett on weekends so that I can sleep a little longer, even though I get to sleep in all week. For my hardworking husband, who puts in an insane amount of hours and still comes home and chases Everett around the house, gives him a bath, and reads stories with him. For my loving husband, who affirms his love for me in words and actions.

He makes me laugh always, sacrifices for me daily, and loves me even at my worst.

Aaron- you're the best decision I've ever made.
I just love you and want you to know that today.

Toms: start something that matters- giveaway (over)

2012-01-11T17:57:00.008-05:00

I love Toms. My gray shoes are probably my most comfortable pair of shoes and my favorite. I plan outfits around those shoes and have been coveting a pair of tiny toms for Everett. I also love knowing that when I buy a pair of shoes from their company, that a child in need will get a pair of shoes too.

So, a few months ago I saw a post from Toms about a book written by the founder Blake Mycoskie. He was asking bloggers to submit an entry for their Books for Bloggers program. Basically, he'd send 2 of his books "Start something that matters" with one for me to read and one for me to giveaway.

I was super excited when a few weeks later my inbox showed an email from Toms letting me know I'd been chosen to be a part of their Books for Bloggers program. Soon after I got a sweet little package in the mail and started reading the book. The holidays quickly ensued and my book reading got put on the backburner. So, finally, two months later I was able to finish the book. Something that they asked me to do was give honest feedback of the book. So, here goes:

'Start something that Matters' is not really a novel, but it did have the feel of a story. The book was written in a way that was easy to read, even though parts of it were focusing more on building a business.

'Start something' gave the background and the details of the start of the Toms company. I loved that first chapter where I got to learn about the roots of the Toms company. I kind of felt like I was on the inside and knew all the intimate details of the start of Toms. It's a really cool story that begins with barefoot kids in Argentina and ends with a shoe company that gives away a pair of shoes to needy children when a pair of their shoes are purchased.

If you're anything like me, you love a good story and this book is full of them. One of the major focuses is finding your own story. Finding something to be passionate and fully pursuing it. He gives different stories throughout the book of businesses that you know and how they found their own passion and their own story --- Method, Chipotle, and Southwest to name a few.

The book is inspirational, interesting, and a good read even if you aren't starting a business anytime soon. When it comes right down to it, it's evident that Mycoskie wants to change the world of business for the better. It was clear after reading the book that he really believes, gives you ideas, and is pretty convincing on how you really can:

LOVE YOUR WORK,

WORK FOR WHAT YOU LOVE,

AND CHANGE THE WORLD ---

ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

So, here's the cool part. I read the book. And now, I've got a book to giveaway to you! There are only a few requirements:

1- You have to follow my blog (if you don't already, join me!)
2- You have to live in the continental US
3- You have to leave me a comment letting me know you want in on the giveaway.

So, that's it. Now go, start something that matters.
Giveaway ends Wednesday, January 18 at 11:59 pm (est). Winner will be chosen via random.org

*** WINNER IS SUSAN WITMER @ the life of susan!
Congrats Sue!

be present?

2012-01-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever tried that? Really, truly tried to be present for just one day- all day long? It's hard. Really hard. There's so much to distract: iphone, instagram, facebook, pinterest, blogs, espn, netflix, words with friends, computer, email, and the list goes on. I'm not the only one, right? I'm sure you've been on both sides of it--- somewhere with someone and they're on their phone half the time instead of talking with you? Or, you've been somewhere and you find yourself on your phone messing around and before you realize it it's been 30 minutes.

One of the focuses during advent was to be present in the season - to give your presence. And through this season, I've been convicted. I've been convicted that I do a pretty terrible job of that. I've found that my mind doesn't feel busy unless I'm talking with someone, checking facebook on my phone, and checking my email. Sometimes it's just easier to let my brain operate on auto pilot, but it's not better. It's not fuller.

So, I'm not one for resolutions, but I am one for making changes in life. Changes that stick. Changes that make me a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. So, that's my goal this year--- to put down my phone and pick up a conversation with my husband. To put down the phone and pick up a toy. To put down the phone and spend some real quality time with people that I love. To show them that they're important to me by the time that I devote to spending with them. It's hard to be plugged in all the time, but I'm positive that it's worth it.

To remind myself, I put this on my phone:

Via

And now, when I pick up my phone, I'm reminded. Be present. Choose people. Choose relationships. Make the choice to plug into life and people instead of an app on my iphone. Join me?

22

2012-01-03T14:57:00.000-05:00

as in months. 669 days. It seems old when I say it, but I feel like it went so fast. You are growing like a weed. Learning, remembering, talking, growling, dancing, clapping, and laughing.

Everett you are so full of joy. You are wild. You are perfect.

in rearview mirrors

2012-01-01T14:57:00.001-05:00

Last year at this time, there was a lot of uncertainty in our family. I was really wanting to be at home with Everett and that just wasn't a possibility for us. Aaron was unsure of what the year would bring with his job. Everett still had a heart problem. At the start of 2011, we didn't really know what to expect. We didn't know what God's plan was for us, but this year he showed us that He is real and that he sees us and cares for us and loves us abundantly.

It's been a year that I can look back and see the way God's plan has unfolded. Some things have been really, really hard this year. I had to watch my best friend deal with the death of her little boy. Out of Luke's passing though has also brought an abundance of faith and life with the birth of his little brother Benjamin just last week. This year I also lost my Grandma. She was the last of my living grandparents and a women that I dearly loved. And so, sometimes it's hard to see God's plan and sovereignty when it's so different from what we think it should be, when you see death and divorce and disease permeate people that you love. In all of it though, God has been faithful.

This year has also brought so much joy. It has brought healing in Everett's heart and a career change for me. I quit my teaching job the middle of June and started my favorite job ever as Everett's full time mom. 2011 also brought us into another family, our small group. People that we love and share life with. People that continue to help us learn and grow and live out our faith. Aaron and I celebrated 5 years of life together and I couldn't be more thankful for him. We celebrated 1 happy, crazy, joy filled year of Everett. I was baptized in front of my family and friends. Everett took his first steps.

Ann Voskamp stated it so simply when she said:

GOD REVEALS HIMSELF IN REARVIEW MIRRORS.

And looking back on this year? I can see him. I can see the way he was with us in the heartaches and sorrow of this year. I can see the way he was so responsible for the joys. And so, I am thankful. I'm thankful that this year I can look back and see God's plan intertwined with mine and the recognition that His plan is so much better than mine. I'm thankful for all the answered prayer. I'm thankful for 2011 and another year with people I love.

Happy New Year all!

Christmas recap - picture style

2011-12-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

Benjamin Luke Thomas - the best Christmas present

My dear sweet friend and her baby boy

Christmas Eve Service

love

Uncle Seth and Brenna

Uncle Luke with his crazy beard

horsey ride

book reading

wild man

matching shirts

favorite!

Grammie and Grandpop

Christmas morning gifts

I believe this was moments before both Uncle Seth and Everett toppled backwards

more horsey rides

cheese

lovely

cousins

my favorite profile

Aunt Lysa and Everett

oldest and dearest friends- just missing Amy

Aunt Laur and Everett

Everett and Franco

Christmas = Anderson style with Mimi and Pop-pop

daredevil

christmas morning breakfast tradition - Marley wants in on it

Aunt Kelsey and the boys

breakfast at Aunt Erika's

pancake lover

cousins kung fu fighting

HUH!

kels showing off her dancing skills

Aunt Erika and Everett playing choo choos

Uncle Todd and Everett

Everett and Aunt Kelsey

doing work, obviously

playing trains with Pop-pop

It was a good week. Thankful for wonderful families that love us and our kiddo. What a blessing!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:38:00.002-05:00

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

the stockings were hung by the chimney with care

2011-12-18T22:49:00.000-05:00

So, last year, we didn't actually have a stocking for Everett. Whoops. I had looked everywhere but didn't find one I liked for him. You see- my mom made stockings (and a tree skirt!) for Aaron and I our first Christmas together. They are adorable and made of red ticking, but were slightly damaged when we ran into a mold problem at our little apartment a few years back. I ordered some new fabric this year that I loved and asked my mama if she'd help me make some new ones. She (is awesome) and said yes. I had originally thought I wanted to make burlap stockings, but found it itchy and hard to work with. I ended up ordered a few yards of a tan and cream houndstooth and linen to match. I did my usual- cut out the stuff and mom sewed them for me. She sent them to me last week and I LOVE them! I wanted to personalize them and finally landed on a fabric pen. I had some leftover linen and wrote out Aaron's name and my initial to figure out which I liked best. I texted a few friends and Aaron to ask opinions. Aaron liked both and Carla and Katie both agreed with me on initials.

full name or

initial...

initial it is

So- there you go... our super cute Christmas stockings. The cool thing? Mom made me a few extra for future kiddos :) Thanks Mama for all your help and for always being the skill behind my many ideas. xoxo

just one of those days

2011-12-13T16:01:00.003-05:00

That was today. I had a laundry list of things that I needed to get done. 4 stops. Might as well have been 4,000 with a 21 month old with way too much energy and snot.

Stop 1- BB's. Mission- get coffee for my friend Carla and a little more for me. (They had Starbucks for $2.99!) Anyway- meltdown number 1 occured and we waited in line 10 minutes too long for my cranky kiddo. Got back in the car and drove 20 minutes up to Wyomissing.

Stop 2- Michaels. I needed to return some fabric paint and get a fabric marker instead (Project to come). I got up to the checkout, made the return and had all the stuff rung up and then realized my wallet was in the car. Walk all the way back out to the car, get my wallet, and then get back in line and wait for another 5 minutes. Everett's doing okay while I feed him every snack I have.

Stop 3- Dick's Sporting Goods. I needed to exchange Aaron's new rugby cleats because they were damaged. Of course, they didn't have any more size 12 purple cleats, but they did have oranges that the guy said were comparable. I call Aaron to confirm those would work and Everett starts throwing his sippy cup and yelling to get out of his stroller. Quick hang up on husband and up to the front I go to exchange them, and I'm met with more crazy lines. When I get to the front of said line, the lady won't exchange them and they are $10 more expensive. Everett's still whining and the people behind me are giving me that "hey lady freaking hurry up and just buy the shoes" looks. Cashier calls manager after I won't buy the orange shoes and I get her to give me $5 off. I'm so frazzled I swipe my card and practically run out of the store. At this point, any sane mother would just get to the car and drive home. But no, I had one more store to go to and since it was right next door I decided we were going to do it, regardless of the possibilities.

Stop 4- Target. I had a couple of things that I needed to return and random groceries and gifts to pick up. Everett is tired and hungry and so am I. We get as far as the women's clothes section before he is begging me to sit in the cart instead of the seat. As long as he's happy and I can get stuff done quickly, I don't mind. Bad decision. He spent the remainder of the trip standing up, sitting down when I asked him, standing up, then sitting down. Again and again. It was at this point that I started to lose my sanity a bit. I had literally asked him to stay sitting at least 30 times, we were out of snacks, and I still had shopping I needed to finish. So, I did exactly what I vowed never to do. I went right over to the candy section, grabbed a bag of lollipops, and opened it up right there. He was of course overjoyed and I was happy he was sitting (which lasted for 2 minutes). Up a few aisles, I grab a can of spaghetti sauce because that's the kind of day it's been, put it into the front of my cart (because Everett's in the back) and the can falls right out the front and breaks open all over aisle 8. I flag down, explain aisle 8, and apologize profusely to a Target employee and then make a beeline for checkout. I, of course, chose the line where the people were paying with some type of rebate check and their new employee Ben was bagging at an insanely slow rate. Everett is now on lollipop #2 and a full on sticky mess. As we made our way to the car, so were the bags since Everett wanted to touch every single one.

When I finally got him in the car, cleaned off his hands, and got myself to the drivers seat I couldn't help but just sit there- completely and utterly tired and frustrated. Not really with Everett but really more frustrated with myself. Frustrated that the prayer I prayed with Everett while eating breakfast this morning- the one about being patient and kind and loving one another today- I had failed miserably at. How quickly I had forgotten that prayer from a few hours before. I had lost my patience with him multiple times. I had expected him to be an angel for 2.5 hours while I checked off my to-do list. I had been anything but patient and slow to anger. So, I asked forgiveness. I asked my 21 month old to forgive me for not being patient and loving and kind and asked him if we could start over. You know what he said? Well, he didn't say sure mom, but he did forgive me. I knew he forgave me by the way he smiled at me and kissed me and played happily with me the rest of the day until nap time. And, I asked God to forgive me. To forgive me for being so dang impatient. For being so selfish and wanting everything to go my way all the time, exactly the way I planned.

Being a mom is hard. It teaches me so many truths about myself, some of which I don't think I always want to know. Today, I learned how impatient I am, how quick my son is to forgive me, and how thankful I am that God does the same.

Aaron + Everett + pictures = love

2011-12-11T22:53:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend Katie took some family pictures for us today. She did an amazing job!!! (If you want your own- contact her here). Getting pictures taken as a family are one of my most favorite things to do, especially because I'm the one usually taking the pictures! There are so many great pictures it's going to be hard to pick only one or two to frame :)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU KATIE!

the most hideous "art" ever

2011-12-10T22:45:00.000-05:00

I found it. It was heinous. All brown with a yarn cat. It was hiding in a bin at Goodwill. Normally I'd pass right by that nasty thing, but decided there might be hope for it still. I bought it, but couldn't make up my mind what I wanted to do with it. I finally decided that I'd make it into a little chalkboard sign that I could change up when I felt like it. I spray painted the frame white and removed that nasty brown stuff from a plyboard type material underneath. I then used chalkboard paint on it and Voilà! A fun sign for $2.97.

Joy to the world, eh?

when push comes to shove...

2011-12-05T15:27:00.001-05:00

...this whole advent conspiracy is harder than I thought. I remember feeling so on fire about it. Looking at the statistics and just feeling compelled to give and to make a difference. Fast forward almost a month later, and now it's becoming a reality; however, the last month I have also been bombarded with catalogs, emails, tv commercials, and newspaper ads all telling me what's on sale and what I need this Christmas. The scary part? I started buying into it. Wanting things for myself and slowly feeling my desire to give became a little less. Yuck. It's sickening how quickly I was able to start telling myself that there are things I need more than people need water and food and to know Jesus loves them.

People want Christmas lists and ideas and I am now forced to put my money where my mouth is and to be honest, it's kind of hard. It's hard to say instead of buying me something can you give to this charity? It's a sacrifice. A sacrifice of things that I'd like. But in reality, isn't Christmas all about a sacrifice? A sacrifice that God made by giving up his beloved son to come take on my sins? A sacrifice of his relationship with Jesus. Shouldn't I be jumping at the chance to sacrifice for the people (read- everyone) that he loves and desires to be fed, clothed, and loved?!

So I watched the video again. I remembered those statistics. I remembered that this Christmas season will be ten times better because I can wake up on Christmas morning, not with extra clothes or stuff for the house but instead knowing that:

-a little girl in India will have food, water, a chance at an education, and will hear about Jesus: http://www.compassion.com/default.htm

-a homeless man or woman in Philadelphia will have an ID and the ability to get a job again: http://phillyrestart.com/front

-a young girl from Kitale, Kenya will be free of a life of prostitution and given hope for a new life http://www.mosaicdesigns.org/p/about-neema-project.html

-a village in the jungles of Peru will have a well built and clean water to drink:
http://www.water.cc/redeem

So, here's your reminder, like the one I needed. The reminder about what Christmas can be if we can give up a little of ourselves for someone else. That we can celebrate joyfully this season and remember what it's all about.

he's closer to 2 than 1

2011-12-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

Aaron said that to me the other day. Apparently my baby is turning into a little boy despite my protests. People ask how old he is and I tell them 21 months. Most reply, oh, so he's almost 2. Not cool. My little one still has 3 more months of being one and counting his age in months. Let's be real, no one says "my kid is 26 months" or "he's 32 months." So, for now, I'm savoring the last of these countable months.

Everett is picking up words like crazy. He repeats everything I say to him. It doesn't always sound right, but he tries. He also picked up a few not so awesome words that he decided to use while playing with trains at Barnes and Nobles. No and mine reared their ugly heads and I'm not even sure where he learned them. Let's just say we've been doing lots of correcting and time outs this month with some of his new found words.

Everett has also started to label everything. In the stores, he introduces me to most people who will listen. The last time my parents were in town, he introduced Mommy, Mimi, and Pop pop to someone sitting beside us at lunch. He's also labeling things. When we sit down to dinner Everett points to Aaron's drink and says "Daddy D!" and then to mine "Mommy D!" When we get in the car, Everett points to the drivers seat and says "Mommy seat!" The other day he came running at me with my toms saying "Mommy shoe!" It's so funny. So darn cute.

Everett has also started watching a little bit of tv. He calls it a "show." He is only interested in watching Toy Story 3 and Tangled or the "horsey show" as Everett calls it. I'm hoping to find a few more to add into our repertoire.

Happy 21 months Everett. You are so smart and funny and full of life, but could you slow down a little please? You're growing up too fast my little man.

our little rooster

2011-11-29T16:50:00.000-05:00

Everett makes all kind of cute animal sounds, but our favorite lately is his rooster imitation. I'm pretty sure he knows how much we love it, because he's started being stingy with his cock-a-doodle-doo's. Luckily, Aaron caught this one:

I love this kid.

one thousand gifts

2011-11-23T14:57:00.000-05:00

This week more than any other week of the year we are reminded to be thankful. We reflect on all the amazing things that we have been given, that we get to experience, and the people that we get to love. The weird thing is that so often we forget to be cognizant of being thankful all year for these things.

I'm reading this pretty incredible book (thanks Melena!) called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. In it, she struggles to live fully in the everyday, in the face of heartache and loss and fullness and joy. Ann started a list of everyday gifts. Her goal was one thousand and she ended up with many more. She has challenged me as a mother and as a woman seeking after God and his heart. In her book, she nails down the problem with us, with society and it is a lack of thanksgiving.

The real problem with life is never a lack of time. The real problem in life --- in my life--- is a lack of thanksgiving.

We set aside this day in November once a year to give thanks when maybe life would be that much fuller if we could do that daily. So, that's what I've been attempting. Attempting to slough off the ingratitude, get rid of the complaints and instead look at all the things that life is full of, and start a list of my own.

a dog snuggled up beside me in bed
hot, non-reheated coffee
sweet little fingers curled around mine
the promise of a husband home early from work
singing Jesus loves me and Everett asking- again? again?
five more minutes under the covers
christmas music
Aaron's hand holding mine
soft dog ears
knowing what Everett's saying, even when I'm the only one
a weekend visit with Mimi and Pop
talking to Jesus (praying) with Everett
a warm house on a cold day
God's unending forgiveness
Aaron's good morning kiss and "have a good day babe"
Sundays with nothing planned
coffee with Aaron
cock a doodle doo! and other animal sounds by Everett
reaching a goal, finishing a race
a lunch date with Grammie
a girls night out
listening to a great sermon and feeling convicted
an afternoon to sit and read

The amazing thing about listing all of these gifts? It brings JOY. It brings a fullness to my heart when I think about the tiny little things, the big things, the everyday things. The thankfulness brings more thankfulness. It makes my heart full and it makes what I have more than enough.

via

Happy Thanksgiving all.

5k - done son!

2011-11-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

I've been running the last 5 weeks for today's race, so I was kind of nervous. I knew I could finish it, but I was worried that I wasn't going to meet my goal. I wanted to run the race in under 30 minutes.

I got up nice and early. I hopped in the shower because I tweaked my back on Thursday and wanted to loosen up before the race. Some greek yogurt and we were on our way. Aaron and Everett came with me. It was nice having them there to cheer me on.

Pre-registration was at Barnaby's and I was able to meet up with all my running buddies. There were so many friends I knew running today. We were even able to get a quick group picture before it started. The race was pretty legit with disposable chip for my shoe that tracked my time and everything! haha It's the little things.

picture thanks to Katie Balla

Remember that playlist I worked hard on? Yeah, almost didn't get to listen to it. I started the race and my shuffle wasn't working and then started freaking out since that was my plan for pacing myself! So, I spent the first quarter mile of the race trying to fix it. Thank goodness it started working!

trying to figure out how to run and get my ipod to work all at the same time...

The race was a double loop, which I really liked because I knew what to expect. I ended up finishing 195 out of 394 runners and made my goal with 37 seconds to spare (29:23)! It was a personal best, although that doesn't say much since I've only run two ;)

finish line baby

It was a fun race and I even felt good afterward! So, I'm going to run again in 2 weeks. Why not, right?

thank goodness for muscle memory

2011-11-16T16:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know when it happened. I was a collegiate athlete who worked out like crazy, sometimes two times a day. Then I got married. When we lived in Thorndale, I went to the gym 3-4 days a week. When we moved to Morgantown, there was no gym to speak of, at least not close. We got Marley though and I spent lots of time walking and biking with him. Then we got Kai and I started walking the dogs every. single. day. I did pilates with my friend Ashleigh. Then, I got pregnant and had Everett... oh-there's the culprit - that adorable little boy of mine. Since having him, I have barely worked out. I had an excuse for a while. I was working full time and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. But, as of June, that was no longer an excuse. I couldn't quite get myself motivated though. Fast forward to 5 weeks ago. Two friends posted a 5k race on facebook that was going on November 19th. I considered it, but didn't decide to do it until my friend Katie agreed to do it with me. I think it went something like "I'll do it if you do Katie". haha

So, here we are 3 days before the race. I've spent the last 5 weeks running. It's been good to finally start working out again. I don't know why it took me so long. Nothing like signing up for a race to motivate you.

This is my second 5k. I ran one right before I got pregnant with Everett (read that funny story here). I learned a few things from that race that I'm glad I know for this one:

-Train. I only ran a few times before the last race. This time I knew I was going to need to train because I was just that out of shape. I used the couch to 5K app. It was pretty easy to follow and wasn't impossible to do. I felt like it eased me back into running.

-Get a running partner. There were plenty of days in the last 5 weeks that I've been thankful to have Katie keeping me accountable. She'd send me a text and tell me she just finished her run. Most weekdays we would run on the treadmill during our kiddos naps and text our times and miles and how we felt. Weekends we usually tried to get in a run outside. It was just good to have someone to commiserate with, encourage, and be accountable to.

-Good music. My last 5k I didn't listen to music. Stupid idea Kristen. This time I'm prepped and ready with a playlist. I just finished it today. I like to run to music that makes me want to dance and has a good beat. Enter Justin Timberlake, Rhianna, Pitbull, Usher, Florence and the Machines and Kesha among others.

-Know the route. I didn't for the last race. The few times I ran, it was a flat route. Unfortunately, I realized while running that the first mile and a half was a gradual uphill run to the top of a hill. That stunk. This time- I made sure there were no surprises.

-Be prepared. Saturday my plan is to get to the race around 7:30 (it starts at 8). I've got my running gear all picked out. My mom gave me these awesome laces for my shoes that won't come untied while I run. I always chew gum when I run, so I'll bring that along too.

So, here goes nothing. It's a little different this time. My last race I just kind of did. This race I really felt like I prepped for, so I'm a little more nervous for it. Lots of friends are running so it should be a good time.

Wish me luck!

things i'm loving

2011-11-14T16:31:00.000-05:00

fabric.com--- This website is awesome. I ordered that awesome chevron fabric to make my curtains and it only cost me $30 bucks WITH shipping. They have free shipping over 35 bucks, a virtual pinboard where you can put fabrics side by side to compare, and they have a money back guarentee. Example- I ordered a yard of a different fabric and when it got here I realized that 1) it wasn't thick enough for a pillow and 2) it was not quite the colors that I wanted. I emailed the company, they refunded my money the next day and they let me keep that yard of fabric. Boom. If you want fabric and fun different patterns, try this website and thank me later :)

my lace earrings. I saw these beauties at a sale for the Neema project. (Check out the link for more information on the Neema project and how you can help!) I wasn't able to grab a pair from the sale but Cait Jensen, who makes them, has an etsy shop where you can buy them too. I wear these at least once a week. They are easy and fun and light, which I need since someone is always trying to pull at my earrings.

Oikos traditional raspberry greek yogurt. This stuff is the bomb and my usual weekday breakfast. Lots of protein and super yummy- it's a win-win.

Friday Night Lights. We got rid of cable and ended up getting streaming netflix in it's place (and for 25 bucks less a month I might add). anyway- my friend Katie kept posting about this show, so I gave it a try and then I got hooked. That's the bad thing about netflix- it's all of the episodes for every season, for the entire show series. Let's just say Aaron was glad when we finished this so he could have his wife back ;) If you haven't watched this, you should.

active.com's couch to 5k app. I'll go into more details about my run after this Saturday, but this has been perfect. The app was $1.99 and it gave me a training program to follow leading up to this weeks run. It also gave me a built in gps, kept track of time for me, and logged all my workouts. It was the perfect way to keep track of everything and jump start my lazy butt.

my target boots. I love these for a few reasons. 1- because they were only 35 bucks. 2- because I had a $20 gift card from my first baby study, which made them only 15 bucks. 3- the fun zipper on the side. Sure, they aren't a pair of Frye boots, but I'll survive without real leather and the price tag that comes with them. They're comfortable and have been easy to just slip on before I run out the door!

have I ever told you that...

2011-11-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

- I am always 5 minutes late. I'd love to say I'm that girl that's always somewhere 5 minutes early, but it just doesn't happen. I don't know why. I guess I just always think I have more time than I do. I always think I can squeeze more things into an amount of time than would ever be humanly possible. Despite my time issues, I was always on time to school (as a teacher at least). Being a high school teacher, my life was dictated by a bell schedule. I think that's why it worked. I had no choice but to be on time. Maybe I should look into getting bells put in at my house... (Side note: since writing this I've been early like 5 times to places. I'm not going to say I'm turning over a new leaf, but at least there's hope!)

-I cannot stand to do the dishes. Seriously. I'd rather clean toilets and dirty baby bottoms. Thank goodness for a dishwasher and a husband.

-My nickname in college was Kat. It was given to me during soccer preseason my very first week of college. For 4 years, that was what everyone called me. In fact, all of my college friends still know me as that today.

-The first time I mowed the lawn was at age 23. My dad never let me because his cousin cut off a few of his toes mowing one time. I was okay with it; however, Aaron never had that traumatic experience, and thus began my mowing career.

-Fall is by far my favorite season. I loved the start of the school year/soccer, the start of something new. I love fall because it's sweater weather, football season, and 60 degrees-ish. I love mums, pumpkin patches and apple picking, changing leaves, hiking, and drinking my coffee on the back deck.

-I hate slow drivers. Maybe because I'm always running a few minutes late (see random fact #1). Seriously though, don't you people have places to be?!

- I'm not that into brand loyalty, save one that is. I use Heinz ketchup. period. There are no negotiations or mega sales that could sway that choice. My husband once blindfolded me, put ketchup on two hot dogs, and made me tell him which was Heinz. Let's just say after 5 years, he can tell a difference too ;)

-My nose grew when I was pregnant with Everett. I'm not kidding. I don't think it went back to it's normal size either. Totally strange and just one of the many joys of after baby body.

stop looking at my nose. seriously. you can't help yourself. i swear this angle adds even more to the schnoz.

So there you go. All the things you never needed to know about me. Happy Thursday!

Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. (Emilie Buchwald)

2011-11-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

I have loved reading for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I loved going to the library and picking out tons of books to read. My parents encouraged us to read and sometimes that was our only option- read or read Kristen. I'm really glad that my parents unlocked that world for me though. There's just something about losing yourself in a good story and getting caught up in the narrative of someone elses' life or imagination. To this day, one of my favorite things to do is curl up on the couch with my coffee in one hand and a book in the other.

So, needless to say, I want Everett to love reading too. As you know, he's a bit of a wild man: constantly moving, constantly going and stopping for nothing, except... a good book. I am not exaggerating. The child will not sit down and watch more than 2 minutes of a television show, but books? He sits and listens. He walks over to Aaron or I with a book and says, "reeeeead reeeeeeeead" until we do just that. I love it. We finish a book and he jumps up and goes to get another. Some days we read upwards of 20 books. Luckily, a sweet co-worker at school gave me two huge boxes of kids board books while I was pregnant, so we have quite the little library. It's a good thing too! Let's just say my wild man can be a little hard on the books sometimes.

When I started re-doing the living room I decided that I wanted to carve out a little reading nook for Everett. What better way to encourage his reading than to have a special place to read! I ended up getting a few spice racks from Ikea and my parents gave me a little rocking chair that was mine from growing up. I still have a sign I'm working on for the wall and a pillow for the chair, but it's perfect for now. A perfect little spot for books and reading and exploring those stories together.

So, if it is true that readers start on their parents laps, I think Everett is off to a good start.

a different kind of christmas

2011-11-02T15:45:00.000-04:00

So, I know it's only the second of November, but in every store and restaurant I walk into there are hints of Christmas being upon us. Starbucks has their holiday cups. Walmart has up their Christmas decorations. I just got a bazillion holiday catalogs in the mail. This past week at church we watched this video:

It really got me thinking. The statistics in it are staggering really. I want new clothes, stuff for the house, and just things when so many people around the world are needing a place to sleep and food in their belly. So this Christmas season, I'm committing to loving others in a different way. I'm going to love with my time instead of my money, and in turn sending that money to people who are dying for clean water and someone to love them. Join us in making a difference and loving and giving to people who need things that are far more important than the latest boots or iphone. Join me!

roff roff roff

2011-10-31T23:13:00.002-04:00

That's Everett's doggie imitation. He love dogs. I'd say besides mama and daddy, his best friends are our dogs. He chases them around the house, tries to ride them (never works), tries to eat his food like them, and yells doggie! doggie! doggie! in the morning until they make their way into his room for a good morning kiss. Needless to say, his Halloween costume was a no brainer. It helped that my sister gave us the perfect little dog costume to wear (thanks Erika)! I wanted to make sure that Everett would wear the costume, so for weeks he's been trying it on, playing in it, etc. so that I had no doubt he'd wear it for Halloween.

Last year, we didn't really do trick or treating. He dressed up, but that was about it. Everett was just a little peanut. Side note--- was he seriously ever that little?!

This year was a different story. We went trick-or-treating with our cousins and friends the Riggs fam. We went around their neighborhood to a few houses, hit up Aunt Nancy's house, and then headed out to the farm to see Great Grandpop and the Windles. It only took Everett a little while to understand what he was collecting and quickly proceeded to pleeeease us into getting the goods. The kids were so funny. By the time we got to Grammie and Grandpop's house they were so buzzed on sugar they were literally bouncing off the walls and each other. They were running in circles dancing, yelling, wrestling, and just being generally, all around crazy. It was great. I wish I would've videoed it. Such fun memories.

take #1 of about 30

it's the best we got ;)

Great Grandpop

hopped up on sugar. notice the chocolate all over my chin...

Happy Halloween!

mental notes

2011-10-27T22:56:00.000-04:00

It seems like Everett has been taking mental notes lately. I didn't even realize he was paying attention. At least not to the extent that he seems to now be remembering and applying things. Case in point- Providence (my church) has a large focus on community outreach. To that end, one outreach focuses specifically on skateboarders through the building of a skate park on the church grounds. The park is always open and so after church Everett has watched those skateboarders riding, doing tricks, etc. Skip to Barnes and Nobles a few weeks later. We were playing at the train table. Everett zeroed in on an empty train car, put it on the ground and started trying to jump on it. I kept correcting him because he was trying to jump and step on the toy and then it dawned on me- he was trying to skateboard! He spent a good 20 minutes "skateboarding." Since then we've found him trying to skateboard on everything from his little xylophone to his wagon.

Last week, Everett and I hung out with my dear friend Sara and her hubby Keith. Everett calls them Rara and Titi (read Keithie haha) We went to a homecoming bonfire and then hit up Target for a pumpkin spice latte and a little retail therapy. Fast forward to Saturday when I returned that retail therapy to Target. As soon as we pulled up Everett started shouting Rara! Rara! Thank goodness we were only returning something because he said her name over and over again until we left :) It was adorable and crazy to me that he would remember and associate Target (and a completely different store for that matter) with Sara.

It got me to thinking- if he's able to pick up on things like that, what else is he paying attention to? Not that I wasn't already, but it really made me think about my actions even more knowing that Everett is taking mental notes. That's a lot of pressure if you think about it! So here's praying for patience, wisdom, and that God's grace would fill in the gaps in this crazy adventure called parenthood.

a case of the mondays?

2011-10-24T15:04:00.000-04:00

Mondays were hard last year. I felt like I had a case of the Mondays every Monday. It was the day that I missed Everett the most. It was the morning I didn't get to see him because he was staying at my in-laws. I think Mondays are long regardless of your situation. It's the first day back and furthest day from the weekend. My Mondays are different this year. It's still not my favorite day because Aaron isn't home with us, but it's not a day that I dread anymore. What's to dread when I get to wake up to this adorable little face?!

This morning was pretty awesome. I have been sick since Friday. Getting up and out of bed has been really hard. My sweet husband got up with Everett on Saturday and Sunday because he knew I felt like crap. This morning I was exhausted. Everett usually gets up between 745-8. This morning I woke to my sweet kid talking in his room at 8:45. I love that boy. Seriously- who let's their mama sleep that long and just happily talk in his crib until I drag myself out of bed 15 minutes after hearing him? Everett, that's who. So, Mondays, they're feeling pretty good these days.

animal obsession

2011-10-19T17:25:00.000-04:00

Everett loves animals. I'd say he's obsessed. He sleeps with his stuffed doggie (and monkey and other assorted farm animals), chases our real dogs around the house while trying to hug and kiss them, wants to read his animal books over and over again, and tries to kiss every single animal he sees (ick). Aside from dogs, I'd say that Everett loves horses the most. I think it stems from seeing them so much over the summer at Grammie's house. There is a pasture that they rent out to horses and Everett saw the horses every time we went swimming over the summer. He even makes a clicking sound every time he sees them. So, I decided it was high time we went and saw some animals up close and personal- farm style. This week we had not one, but two playdates that involved animals, a friend, and a really cute little girl!

Monday, we hit up Springton Manor Farm with my friend Sara and her daughter Nora. Everett LOVED it. There are wide open spaces for the kids to run, fences to climb on, and a barn and fields full of different animals. They were in their glory!

hahaha this just makes me laugh

oh hello

Nora girl

intent on driving that john deere

On Tuesday, we met up with our friends Katie and Emeline. They showed us a sweet little farm with tons of animals to pet. There was a turkey on the loose and kiddos too. I think our favorites were the baby pigs. So cute!

can I seriously pet these mom?

my fave

curls galore

making the pumpkin into a bat of course

I'm so thankful for friends, sunny weather, and fun places to take Everett. It's been a good week :)

bakefest 2011

2011-10-18T15:11:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy baking week around these parts. Friday was my man's birthday. He loves pumpkin and anything pumpkin flavored for that matter and so began bakefest 2011. I had seen so many good recipes for pumpkin stuff and was dying to try some of the recipes. Friday morning I made Aaron pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. I mixed the dry ingredients the night before and woke up early to finish them for his breakfast. I never get up that early anymore, but it was nice to lay there with my birthday boy and watch some early morning netflix ... haha I'm forcing him to catch up with me on Friday Night lights. Anyway, that afternoon I made him his traditional pumpkin pie. Every year for his birthday his request is his very own pie. I'm not one of those "i love pumpkin pie people" which I'm pretty sure Aaron loves because he is stingy with that thing! Saturday I ended up making Crockpot Buffalo Chix recipe that I found on pinterest. Aaron loves hot, spicy, and anything with Frank's red hot on it. These were BLAZING hot and toned down a little with some cheese on the sandwich. Aaron liked them when he wasn't breathing fire... Sunday I crossed another thing off of my fall fun list- making pumpkin pancakes. I decided to finish off Aaron's birthday weekend with some more pumpkin love. I made this recipe and they were great. It was almost like pumpkin pie in a pancake. They were really filling and the recipe made a TON, so if you make these plan on inviting friends for breakfast or freezing a whole lot of them! Add in 2 meals for friends that had babies recently and I was a baking fool this week. It's funny though, I am loving it. I've always enjoyed cooking and now that I've got some more time for it, I'm enjoying it even more. Well, I'm off--- more baking to do. No seriously, I'm bringing muffins for bible study tomorrow.

some chevron action

2011-10-13T15:38:00.000-04:00

Just call me a curtain snob. I can't help it. After my mom and I made my DIY curtains for the living room I just couldn't find store made curtains for the dining room that I liked. I looked everywhere, but they were all just disappointing. (Enter fabric.com) I found this online website for fabric and got free shipping and a crazy good deal on fabric for my new dining room curtains. I'll expand on the website another day. Add in a yard sale with friends that I made some cash and my $25 worth of curtain fabric was covered. Last week while in Pittsburgh my mom helped (read: did them all herself save my cutting efforts) hem the fabric. We decided that the last curtains were A LOT of work and decided that just hemming them and then clipping them up would be just as good. Here's the final product. I love it even more than I thought I would! The blue shows up almost neutral from the other room, but brings a little chevron love and some interest to my otherwise boring dining room.

chevron love

the curtains look almost neutral from the living room

nice view if you can see past the grill ;)

Kai loves the curtains too

closest to the actual color

*Sorry that every picture has a grill in the background... it's poor for picture placement but super convenient for making dinner!

how bout them apples

2011-10-11T14:20:00.000-04:00

Last week, I checked off apple picking from my fall fun list. It was a perfect fall day and a perfect morning for picking. Everett and I went to Weavers Orchard with my sweet friend and her girls. Weavers is pretty much amazing with acres of farmland filled with rows and rows of trees. The kids ate their fill of apples and helped "pick" a few. Everett loved it and especially loved stopping to pet the animals on the way back to the car. It was a great morning, just like you hope for when you make a list of fun stuff to do. It was one of those mornings that the pictures actually tell the story of the morning and how much fun we had (despite the fact that half of them were taken from my cell phone after my nice camera died). Here's to hoping for more fun fall stuff and a charged camera battery next time!

one of my favorites

yum yum

a few with mommy

all in a days work

a trip to the burgh and the coolest kids museum. ever

2011-10-07T15:35:00.000-04:00

Being a full time mom has some serious perks and one of them is the freedom to make my own schedule. We try to go to Pittsburgh as often as we can, but have always been limited by our jobs. Now I can go to Pittsburgh for long weekends like I did this last week. My parents took off a few days from work and Everett and I were able to just spend time with my family and friends.

Sunday I got to watch the Steelers game with some of my bests Amy, Lauren, and Leah. The Steelers lost (boo) but it was great seeing Lauren and Matt's new house and hanging out with my sweet friends.

Aunt Amy and Aunt Lauren

cheesing in my new jersey from Aunt Laur

Monday my parents and sister Erika took us to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. It was seriously the coolest place I've been to with Everett yet. There was so much to do a kid could get ADD from it. Seriously though, if you are ever are in Pittsburgh with kids, go there. They will love it.

they had an entire area for art. i loved the screenprinting

all of the impressive kids art

this was seconds before Everett stuck his hand in the paint ;)

the final product

climbing the maze with Aunt E

driving with Mimi, Pop pop, and Aunt E

sand stuff with Mimi

not impressed with the hat

first of many golf lessons with Pop

gigantic light bright

favorite part = water floor... anyone surprised?

Of course while we were there my mom helped me sew something. My house would be so boring without her :) Everett decided he would help too. You'll see the final product and where these will go soon.

And finally, on Wednesday, I was able to hang out with my college roomie Natalie and meet her sweet little boy Samuel. He's almost 3 months old and looks just like his daddy. Everett loved him too and kept trying to hug and kiss him in his swing. Nat is like super mommy. She had baked french toast casserole and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for when I got there. She's an amazing Mama already - Samuel is a lucky kid!

Everett 19 months, Samuel 3 months (almost)

Aunt Kat and Samuel

a couple of Geneva babies

We had such a great trip to Pittsburgh and can't wait to see everyone at Thanksgiving!

jumping on the bandwagon

2011-10-06T14:41:00.000-04:00

with a fall fun list of my own. My friend Katie came up with the fun idea and I decided to join in. So here's my list. I know you're all shocked that it's got some chevron action with it. I can't help it, I'm obsessed.

Just today I checked off one thing from my list. Okay, so maybe I did the activity and then made my fall list. That's just the way I roll. I'm a to-do lister and often times put things on the list that I've already done just to check them off and feel better about that long list. haha. So here is our list of things to have fun with this fall!

My favorite Steelers fan

2011-10-02T17:29:00.000-04:00

Balsamic Chicken with Caprese Cous Cous

2011-09-28T21:27:00.000-04:00

Yum. This was the new recipe I tried week. It was a different taste, but delicious. I changed the recipe slightly by making extra dressing and not adding much to the cous cous other than mozzarella pearls and fresh basil. The sauce had a yummy flavor and the chicken turned out great. Aaron really liked it. He liked it as much as the Hawaiian chicken recipe. He gave it an 8/10. I didn't like it quite that much, but did like how easy it was to make. It only really took about 25 minutes to make, start to finish. Next time, I would add would add a LOT more fresh basil. I wish I would have had more! Anyone notice what all my recipes have in common? Yeah, chicken breast. I can't help it. It's a staple at my house. Anyone have any good chicken breast recipes for me to try?!

the weight of the world

2011-09-26T13:47:00.001-04:00

The last few weeks I have felt burdened. Burdened for friends that are dealing with hurt, divorce, illness, and loss. I've felt burdened to pray for them, pray with them, and help share their load. Some days though? It's hard. It's hard on my soul. It's hard to see others that you love deal with so much in life. Today it got me to thinking- how does God do it? How does he bear the burdens of the world. Does he ever feel like I do today- just overwhelmed by all that he has to carry? So, I searched the scripture and found this:

Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Straight from the lips of Jesus. That was a promise I needed to hear today and maybe you did to.

how's that for honest

2011-09-21T16:31:00.000-04:00

The most frequent question I'm getting these days is- do you like being a stay at home mom? The answer is always yes- mainly because that's true and (if I'm being honest) partly because that's what people want to hear. I had spent so long wanting this, praying for it, and talking about it that I know most of the time that's the only answer I can give. The thing is though, it's been a transition and some days have been harder than others.

It was hard letting go of my teaching career. I worked really hard to get to the place that I was at, my whole life really... 13 years of school, 4 years of college, 5 years of teaching and grad school mixed in there. That's a lot of time, energy, and effort. And after a while you find some of your identity involved in it. "What do you do Kristen? - well I'm a teacher". And, the thing is, I really loved it. I loved teaching and I loved telling people that's what I did. So, that was hard. I felt like I lost a little piece of me.

The other struggle came with not being able to pick up where I left off. When I started back to work Everett was a tiny, calm 6 month old. My days of stay at home mom-dom were filled with laying around with him, playing on his playmat, and naps. lots of naps. I knew he had grown up and changed a lot since then, but I never thought of it in the context of my role at home. When June rolled around, I had a wild maniac of a son running as soon as I put him down. He is in constant motion unless belted down in his high chair or car seat. And, I guess I wasn't quite ready for it. I had spent the last 10 months able to go to the bathroom when I needed it, showering, getting dressed up daily, enjoying adult conversation, and doing something that had a clear start and end time.

I guess I assumed when I started my new career (read Everett) that it would be rainbows and butterflies and everything I'd ever dreamed. And in some ways it is. HE is. I love being Everett's mom. I love being with him all day everyday. I miss him when I leave, even when it's only a few hours; however, I found that it took me some time to transition.

It took me some time to realize that some days would be spent just chasing Everett around for hours on end, saying no sweetheart again and again and being okay with it. It took me some time to realize that some days I would go shower-less, make-up less, and without adult conversation until 6 pm when Aaron gets home. It took me some time to realize that being a mom never ends and that I'm on call 24/7. It took me a while to realize that just because I've been blessed to be home doesn't mean that everyday will be perfect. It took me a while to realize that some days will just be harder than others. And, in the end, it took me a while to realize that this is indeed exactly what God has intended for me in this season and I'm incredibly thankful for it.

recipe of the week

2011-09-16T19:31:00.001-04:00

If you're like me, I'm a sucker for crockpot meals. There's just something about making dinner early and not stressing about it the rest of the day. I came across this recipe for Crockpot BBQ Chicken and knew I had to try it. It took literally less than 5 minutes of prep time which I loved. I threw the chicken breast in frozen. I paired it with these green beans and Alexia all natural waffle fries. It fell apart and was yummy; however, a little dry. I guess it's something about slow cooking chicken that just does that. Bummer. The green bean recipe was kind of a bust too. They were tossed in equal parts lemon juice/olive oil. It was different tasting, but nothing we really loved. On the Everett scale, he only ate about 5 bites and they were forced. On the husband scale, it was a 6/10. 1 being he hated it and 10 being he liked it so much he wants me to make it again tomorrow night for dinner. So there you have it, recipe of the week. Anyone have any good crockpot meals I should be trying?

reduce, reuse, repurpose

2011-09-13T14:36:00.001-04:00

That's been my motto for my "redo my entire first floor because now I look at it 24 hours a day and don't like it anymore" changes. SO anyway, I'm a sucker for before and afters. I don't have too many yet, because everything still feels like it's not quite finished; BUT- I changed some stuff up in the kitchen: removed old curtains and hardware, added my $7 rug from Lowe's, and changed the accent color from red to green and blue. I tried to re-purpose as many things as possible. Example- Instead of getting new jars for my flour, sugar, and tea, I spray painted them (shocker). I did buy a few new things like these little crocs from Ross ($2.99 each) and some dish towels. It's still a work in progress, but at least now it flows better with the rest of my first floor. So, here's the kitchen today. It's not done, but it's different.

Side note: nice weather = a whole lot of spray painting action. Pictures to come.

a pinterest project or eight

2011-09-08T15:46:00.000-04:00

via pinterest

So, you know I love me some pinterest. It turned me into a DIY junkie and made my to-do list sky high. I've got about 5 different projects ongoing; however, all this rain is putting a damper on them. I've been spray painting like it's my job this summer (ask my neighbors) and have been halted by the "there's so much rain in the 10 day that kids have off school" forecast. Blah. Well anyway, one of my few projects that didn't require spray paint is done. Remember way back in April when I got around to showing you our DIY update? Well, basically, one of the things we wanted to do in 2011 was mount our tv above the fireplace. That, however, left us with little room for any decor on the mantle. (Insert homemade topiaries here). Fast forward 5 months and they just weren't doing it for me anymore. They seemed a little out of place with the new couches and fabric, but I couldn't figure out how to change it up without completely scrapping them. (Insert pinterest). I found this little tutorial about modge podge-ing planters and was sold. It was pretty easy and only took maybe 45 minutes start to finish. I used leftover fabric from the pillows to tie the topiaries to our new design and it only cost me the $4 for the gigantic bottle of modge podge that may take me years to finish. So here you go--- pinterest project number 1 of 18 million.

coconut = love

2011-09-06T23:33:00.002-04:00

I love coconut. Anything coconut. Seriously. I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but it's definitely mine. I ran across this recipe for Hawaiian grilled chicken and coconut rice via pinterest and decided that this rainy Tuesday was the perfect day to try it. I made the marinade when Everett when down for his nap. I couldn't find the coconut rice at the store, so I just made my own. The rice was a little time consuming, but Aaron got stuck in traffic, so it was done just in time. It was delicious! Aaron loved it and so did I; however, Everett seemed to love it the most. Everett doesn't really like to eat much meat other than chick fila chicken nuggets and hot dogs. Boo. The Hawaiian grilled chicken though? He loved it. He ate half of a chicken breast and a bunch of rice. We were amazed. I'd give it a 5/5, thumbs up, gold star. It was really that good! I've decided to try out one new recipe each week. We'll see how it goes. Just call me Martha.

18 months, really?

2011-09-03T21:10:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that my little boy is already a year and a half old?! He is growing like crazy. Doing new things, saying new words, and looking and acting more and more like a toddler. Everett is becoming quite attached to his mama. I guess that was bound to happen when I'm with him all day long. Let's be honest- I don't mind. He's always happy to see me and wants me to be around, so I'm going to milk that for all it's worth. Everett likes to dance. We have dance parties at least twice a day. Aaron and I laugh out loud at his goofy little dance. I need to video it so you can laugh with us. As of today, Everett still takes two naps, but it looks like he'll be transitioning to one here soon. Bummer, but I guess it's time. Everett loves animals. The dogs are his best buddies. He loves horses and makes clicking noises every time he sees them because that's what he does to get the horses to come see him at Grammy's. Everett has been quite the water bug this summer. He LOVES anything to do with water... the beach, swimming pool, sprinklers, even washing his hands. We also have a new found love of parks and playgrounds. Swings and slides = entertainment for hours. Everett is fearless. When he's about to do something he yells "GO!" and takes off. At least he gives me some warning. He jumps off the steps, the diving board, off the side of the pool. He goes down slides, floats by himself and doesn't want us to touch him while he's "swimming." He even laid his head down on one of the horses foreheads while out at the farm. He's my wild child, full of energy. This summer was so much fun. We've had so many adventures together and I'm loving being at home with him. My little Everett man, you are pure joy. I am so thankful for the last 18 months and look forward to plenty of adventures to come.

have i said lately how much i love this little boy?

2011-08-30T21:46:00.000-04:00

Marley Dog

2011-08-25T12:37:00.000-04:00

Sadly, since the entrance of one Mr. Everett, there has been some major doggie neglect on the blog. I started this blog when we got our original baby Marley. We adopted him in May of 2008. He was a crazy puppy and I spent endless hours exercising him, loving him, and training him. February 2009- enter dog #2. Marley had a playmate in Kai, but also someone competing for my attention. They learned to love each other and settled into life together. We went on walks every day and life was good. March 2010- enter baby #1. I'm sure if you asked Marley (and if he could talk) he'd say he could do without the kid. He likes Everett well enough and LOVES him at meal time; however, there's a lot less Marley time because of Everett. I guess that's just life. The really nice thing about dogs is that regardless of how much time you have for them and how much attention you pay them, they're always happy to see you. So here's to you my Marley dog. My first baby. I still love you lots.

Endless summer

2011-08-24T08:00:00.008-04:00

Today I should be going to work. I should be going back to a slew of technology meetings and back to school stuff. I should be looking at student lists, counting books and taking them to my different classrooms, and getting things copied. I should be dreading today...should be, but I'm not. Instead, I'm on vacation. I'm in Hilton Head with Aaron, Everett, and our friends the Lusbys. I'm swimming and relaxing and enjoying my family. Today is the official start of my new career. June 17th was bittersweet, but today is just sweet.

baptized

2011-08-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time coming, but I finally made the decision to be baptized at our outdoor service this year. I'm not sure why it took me 28 years to do, but I'm thankful the Lord continued to patiently wait on me and continue to encourage me in the the things that He has for me. So, among friends and family, I testified to exactly what God has done so far with this life He has blessed me with:

"My name is Kristen and I want to be baptized today because I want to be obedient to what the Lord has placed on my heart and being baptized is one of those things.

Throughout my childhood, I was raised to know Jesus. I remember as a little girl at church saying "Yes! I want to have Jesus in my heart!" I didn't fully know what that meant at age 5, but I did know that God loved me and that was a start. My parents raised me in a Christian home. We went to church every Sunday. We helped out at a homeless mens shelter, went away on weekend church retreats, and mission trips. Looking back, I could not be more thankful for this firm foundation. I can clearly see the way this foundation saved me from the heartache I saw in others because they didn't know Jesus. It saved me from some bad decisions and things that I would have certainly regretted later.

That's not to say I was perfect and in fact I wasn't. I made my fair share of poor decisions and selfish choices; but, at the age of 19, I decided that enough was enough. At the end of my freshman year of college, I remember making that very conscious decision to make my faith my own. I decided that I would be a Christian and follow Christ because I believed it, because I wanted to, because it was truth. I made that decision because I knew that Christ had died and lived for me. I didn't believe because I had to or because someone told me to, but because it was really, truly what I believed.

Since then, the greatest gift the Lord has given me is a true, unwavering belief in who he is. He has given me an unshakable faith and has proved faithful. That has played out over the last 9 years as my relationship with the Father is ever changing as he reveals who he is to me; however, one thing that never changes is the way he faithfully walks beside me in this life. Throughout times of heartache and pain and through times of joy and blessing, Jesus is my constant. He is my comfort, strength and joy and I am blessed a thousand times over to be his daughter.

And, the Lord is not done with me yet. He continues to work on my heart, my motives, and my life. He uses people from this body (Providence), my family, my friends, my husband, and my son to show me how much grace I receive and how much he loves me. I trust and believe that until the day I am called home to heaven, he will continue to do a good work in me. Like it says in Philippians 1:6- being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

*** Something really important and special for me was that my earthly father could baptize me in the name of my heavenly father. What an incredible blessing you are and have been on my life Dad. I love you!

So there you have it. My testimony. The day was unpredictable weather wise and so we gave our testimonies (there were 9 of us baptized on Sunday!!!) in a pavilion and then were baptized in the Brandywine. I'm so glad that I did it. So glad I can share with you exactly what God has done and is doing in my life!

contagious joy

2011-08-15T13:50:00.000-04:00

We love to laugh around here. Life is just more fun that way. My husband makes me laugh all the time and I love that about him. Aaron makes Everett laugh daily too--- I love hearing Everett just laugh. The sound of it is just contagious joy for me. The sound of daddy and son laughing with each other is good for my soul.

Last night, Aaron was playing with Everett while I ran into Target to grab a few things. I came out to Aaron sitting with him in the back seat and both of them laughing. Aaron videoed it because it was so cute. Everett was laughing those deep belly laughs. The kind that make you incredibly happy and full of joy yourself because he is just so happy in that moment. I live in these moments. Like little snapshots to keep for a rainy Monday like today. Reminders of what joy looks like.

loose lips

2011-08-12T11:09:00.000-04:00

Everett loves to kiss. He does this adorable little pout where he sticks out his bottom lip a little bit and leans in for a smooch.

He's mastered the closed mouth kiss (thank goodness) but he's been cutting teeth for the last month so they're usually wet, sloppy smooches. He humors me when I say I want another one, and another one, and another one. He tries to kiss Aunt Erika through the computer when we skype. He sticks out his pouty lip and lets the dogs kiss him. His favorite smoocher is daddy though.

I love it. He is so sweet and cute when he leans in to kiss me; however, he hasn't quite figured out that you don't kiss just anyone. He tried to kiss the waiter at Victory and the cute girls sitting at the next table, he attempted to kiss a woman at Lowe's last night, and has offered his kisses to more than one kid at church. haha. We're working on it, but either way, I'm loving those loose little lips.

2011-08-09T07:00:00.001-04:00

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the skies announce what his hands have made.

Day after day they tell the story;

night after night they tell it again.

Psalm 19:1-2

lifevest = don't love it

2011-08-08T13:19:00.001-04:00

Inspired by my (P)photographer friend Katie, I entered this picture of Everett in Paper Mama photo contest. This week the contest is "whatever" ... I think Everett nailed it. Either way- it was fun to mess around on picnik and look at the different photo editing options. I still use the free version, but the $24 premium package is looking mighty tempting!

My out of office message

2011-07-30T08:00:00.001-04:00


Aylen Lake, Ontario, Canada

Plans include eating, reading, boating, hiking, husband, son, repeat. See you in a week!

A + K

2011-07-29T09:57:00.002-04:00

It's been 5 years since I made the BEST earthly decision of my life thus far. I mean that. I couldn't have picked a better man to spend my life with. It has never been a roller coaster, but instead, constant and steady. I don't think at the young age of 23 I realized how important that decision would be, but I'm thankful that the Lord did and that he gave me Aaron. He is my sounding board, my helper, my talk-some-sense-into-me kind of husband. The husband who does the dishes and laundry, paint and repaints again, and works incredibly hard to provide for us. The kind of man who serves others joyfully, delights in his son, and loves those around him. A husband who makes life fun and makes me laugh daily, all the while still able to have a real and deep conversation about God, our future and life.

Five years later, I am so much more in love with him than the day that we were married. I'm in love with this handsome man who lives this life with me. The man who walks beside me daily, encouraging, loving, and always laughing with me. Thank you Lord for giving me such an incredible man.

I love you Aaron!

Adoption

2011-07-28T11:57:00.000-04:00

I feel like I have been surrounded by it. Seeing the way that God's people are living out the gospel and caring for the widows and orphans. It's such a beautiful picture. Amazing to see the way the Lord touches peoples hearts to love children that were unloved. There have been a number of friends at our church who have adopted or are in the process. A few weeks ago, I asked you to participate in the giveaway for our friends Ryan and Katie who are adopting from the Congo. Right now, other friends of ours are in China with their little girl Emery Lin. Angie and Clint have been praying for their little girl and waiting and hoping and praying some more for the last 3 years. As of Monday, their prayers have been answered. If you want to read more you can click here or look for "the weldons" under our friends tab.

I also follow a blog called the lettered cottage. It's a design blog, but they are also in the process of adopting. Today they had a guest post from a family who adopted two of the sweetest little kids from Africa. I watched their coming home video and cried. What a beautiful amazing homecoming!

Home At Last from dan owens on Vimeo.

Adoption is such an amazing wonderful life changing thing. I'm thankful to be able to see so many children welcomed into loving families. It's a great Thursday.

sidewalk chalk

2011-07-26T17:52:00.001-04:00

Best $1.29 I ever spent. Okay, maybe not, but it was still fun. I randomly saw it at Riteaid and figured, why not? We tried it out today and I only had to fish 2 pieces out of Everett's mouth. I call that success. He drew some, but didn't really seem to understand what he was supposed to do with the chalk. He was more interested in taking the pieces in and out of the box. I'm fine with that. Not to self- next time buy the thick stuff. The skinny chalk was too thin for his chubby little fingers.

one man's trash really is another man's treasure

2011-07-23T11:10:00.000-04:00

Craigslist. I love it- you know this. Recently, I've been enjoying the other side of craigslist- selling! Since we got our new living room furniture, I've got end/side tables, chandelier, area rugs, a few shelves, and some other random odds and ends that I am not using anymore. I listed everything 2 weeks ago. Nothing. I only had one inquiry. So, I re-listed everything this week. Bingo. When it comes to craigslist, it's all about timing. So, within the last 3 days, I've sold our old chandelier, coffee and end tables, a frame, and a corner shelf. Sweet right?

Mollie bought our chandelier. She had her washer pipe burst (on the third floor of her townhouse- boo) and needed to replace her dining room chandelier. She got a new light and so did I. I even made 25 bucks on the deal because I found that good deal at homedepot. I call that a win-win.

Mary Ann was looking for new coffee/side tables. Her kids are in their teens and she wanted something nicer. I was looking to get rid of my nice but sharp cornered end tables, and Everett was hoping for a table that he wouldn't hurt himself on. Mary Ann was excited, I was excited. She even dragged her son along to help load and he was happy because he got a trip to Sonic out of it. Again, win-win.

In the end, I'm financing my entire living room/first floor update simply by selling and re-purposing the stuff we've got. I'm even making some money! It's a pretty cool deal. If you haven't tried craigslist, you should.

Buy something, sell something. And while you're at it here's a few tips:

1- Be specific. In your searching, use the search engine and look for exactly what you want. Use key words to help narrow the number of things that you will look at.
2- Be persistent. If you read my stalking craigslist post, then you know what I'm saying. Check craigslist multiple times a day for the things that you want. It's all about timing on the website. If you're buying, check the website a lot. If you're selling, repost your items every few weeks and make sure you have nice clear pictures for buyers to look at.
3- Be safe. I only meet people when Aaron is home and only give out my address if they have already verbally said they want to buy the item. My address is usually the very last thing that I give people. It's only after we've had a number of emails back and forth and I know that they're serious about purchasing the items that I give them our address. If you're wary of this, meet at a public place.
4- Be smart. There are scammers on craigslist. Often when you post something you may get one or two of these people. They will tell you that they're interested in your item. Their second email to you will say something about a money order, moving out of the country, etc. Don't do business with these people. Use common sense. Also, I only accept cash. It just makes sense.

So there you go. Questions, ask. I know my way around craigslist ;)

Happy Craigslisting!

Everett randoms

2011-07-20T10:30:00.001-04:00

---Everett is really into using utensils. So much so, he will not eat a banana without a fork. Seriously. I have to slice up the banana so he can stab at it with his little fork. For a while, he was doing the same with blueberries... glad he kicked that habit. Breakfast was taking foreeeeever.

---Everett has started to recognize the packaging/containers with his favorite foods. When I pull something out that he likes he gleefully yells "OOOOOO!"

---Everett loves the water. We were boating at a local lake on Sunday that had a beach. Everett (with water wings on) would yell GO! and throw himself into the water... face and all. I'm not exactly sure how he figured it out, but he is holding his breath? Aaron claims he'll be "swimming" by the end of the summer.

---Everett has started kissing to get his way. No lie. When I give him something and ask him to say thank you, he tries to kiss me instead. He sometimes does the same with please. I'm all about those sweet little kisses, but then I make him say please or thank you too. Kids need manners, right?!

---Everett has started paying more and more attention to what the dogs bark at. They bark furiously and run to the door when Aaron gets home. Everett now equates that with Aaron getting home from work and yells "Daddy!" multiple times a day thinking that the barking dogs are alerting him to Aaron's arrival.

---Not that I'm an advocate for toddler tv watching, but it'd be nice if Everett watched more than 3 minutes of a show so that I could get stuff done! The closest we've gotten is "The Backyardigans" and he will only watch during the opening credits because it's a song. He shoulder shakes and dances around and then as soon as the music stops, he's off to do something else.

---Everett has started to climb onto everything. Last night, Aaron said he ran in the other room and within minutes was on a dining room chair playing with my half drank mug of then cold coffee. This morning I look over and he climbed on my kitchen step stool, onto a cooler, and was playing with my kitchen utensils. Eek-I can't take my eyes off this kid!

---Everett has this crazy, hard throw. I try to warn people when the want to play catch with him that he throws really hard. I don't think they believe me until he's thrown a ball at their chest or face. Aaron is banking on this being his way into professional sports... I guess he can dream.

So there you have it, all of the random stuff Everett is up to at 16 months old. He's definitely all boy and a wild and adventurous one at that!

new sign via picnik

2011-07-19T10:47:00.003-04:00

So, I've been redecorating. You know this. I have also been soaking in tons of inspiration via pinterest. I found a quote on there that I love and wanted to find somewhere and somehow to display it. I also stumbled onto a fantastic blog and found an AMAZING tutorial on how to create free printables on picnik.com (it's a photo editing website that's FREE! I love and adore it and use it all the time). So, this morning over coffee, I came up with a sign for my kitchen. All I have to do is head over to a staples somewhere and print it out! I haven't decided yet if I'm going to frame and hang it or slap on some modge podge and add it to a canvas. Either way, I'm pretty excited about it! What do you think?

eternity moments

2011-07-17T22:24:00.002-04:00

A few months ago when we were out visiting my parents, my dad told me he had an "eternity moment" with Everett. I wasn't exactly sure what he meant until he explained it. He said when he went in and picked Everett up from his crib, Everett wrapped his arms around my dad and just hugged him for a few minutes. Dad said it was one of those moments that he could live in for an eternity, that he could stay in forever. I loved it and his description, and that he loves my son so much.

Today I found myself having my very own eternity moment. It was a perfect day full of fun moments and crazy water adventures with Everett. Toward the end of the day, we headed out for a ride around the lake. I was riding in the front of the boat with Everett. The wind in our faces, sun shining, and Everett leaning into me hugging me with his sweet little hands. He held my hand and lay back on my chest and it just hit me- I could do this forever. Just simply live in this moment on repeat. I am so thankful for that moment today, thankful for my little boy, and so very thankful for those eternity moments.

design dilemma- opinions please!

2011-07-14T21:49:00.002-04:00

So, I'm stuck. I thought I had made a decision about the space between my new curtains. I had resolved myself to get this fantastic round framed mirror, paint it white and hang it in the middle of the wall. I wanted something simple because of all the pattern in the curtains. I used painters tape to give myself an idea about how much of the wall it would take up and how it would look. I was pumped and then my brother in law burst my bubble. Remember I told you I was spray painting our little mirror/key holder by the door? Well his exact words were, oh another mirror? I hadn't thought about it to that point, but I will then have two mirrors on the same wall. ugh. So now, I need your help. Which option do you think will look best:

Option 1--- Keep the mirror idea. No big deal. It'll still look good:

Option 2--- Try something like this idea from Pinterest. Plain and pretty simple, but cute too:

taken from pinterest

Option 3--- Use fabrics that were used to cover pillows and frame them. Use 3 white frames and 3 different fabrics: My only fear with this one is that it may be too much pattern? It'd have a similar set up to this picture I found on pinterest. I'd use the fabric we got for recovering the pillows.

taken from pinterest

So, what do you think? 1, 2, or 3?! Do you have another idea for me? I'm all ears. And while you're at it, tell me why!

the snowball effect

2011-07-14T07:43:00.001-04:00

Remember back in February when I gave you my 2011 DIY to-do list? I revised it again in April and we're getting close to checking off that little list of 11 things that I wanted to accomplish this year. While I should be ecstatic, I am instead looking at a list 3 times that size. Isn't that the way it always works? Example- #6 on the list= rearrange the living room furniture. Done son. But, after I moved it, I got the itch to change it. Enter- new furniture. Then new curtains. Then new pillows... etc, etc, etc. See my dilemma? I think that by the end of this my entire first floor will look different. For now- I will enjoy checking a few things off my original list, celebrate what we've already accomplished, and how much I love it! (All the newly completed stuff is crossed off in blue)

1- ~~Fix the kitchen light.~~
~~2- Repaint the dining room.~~
3. ~~(Neatly) mount the television above our fireplace.~~
~~4. Get rid of the Tiffany's-esque chandelier that hangs in an awkward place in our living room.~~
5. Update the ceiling fan in our bedroom.
6. ~~Rearrange the furniture in the living room.~~
7. Add some wall art to our master bedroom/bathroom/living room.
8. Update our upstairs bathroom light fixtures.
~~9. Repaint the red in the half bath.~~
~~10. Sell living room and mancave couches on craigslist.~~
~~11. Find a sectional for the living room~~ and redecorate!

#11 you saw in my craigslist post and the update on our new curtains.
#2 and #9 were painted while Everett and I were out in Pittsburgh at the end of June. It was a happy birthday present from my hubby and brothers in law. I love it. I'll post pics another day.

#4 was fun. That chandelier has been the bane of my existence since day one of living in our house. My living room is rectangular and has a fireplace which can make a layout hard enough. Add in a strangely placed chandelier that hangs about a third of the way into the room and you've got a seriously weird design. I went back and forth on what to do with it. When it came down to it, we really needed at least one hanging light. I struggled though in figuring out how it would ever look normal. One day it just hit me- I would swag the light over to the corner and make myself a reading nook of sorts. With the new sectional I was left with an empty corner, so Aaron and I used part of our discovercard cashback money to buy this little guy for our new reading nook (from target during a 15% off furniture sale)!

It matches the new ottoman perfectly and fills up some of that empty space. See that huge empty wall behind the chair... I've got big plans for it. You'll have to wait and see!

Back to the light- I knew that even if I swagged it I was still going to need a new fixture (side note- when I say swag I mean I bought a little kit that allows you to drill a hook into the ceiling to change the placement of where the a light is hanging).

I'd seen a lot of outdoor looking pendant lamps and liked the idea. I decided to peruse homedepot.com to see if they had any similar lights. They ended up having one that I absolutely loved; however, it was 125 bones. That was a no go. I wanted the pewter fixture, but decided to look at the other colors too. There was a glossy white (which I wasn't interested in) BUT it was only $43. $82 cheaper just because of the color?! Crazy right? So I did what anyone would do, ordered the white and spray painted it. I've been on a bit of a spray painting kick... I'm sure my neighbors think I'm wacky. Either way, I really like the results. It's another thing checked off our list and another step toward "finishing" up the living room. What do you think? Anyone else obsessing lately on spray painting stuff? Anyone else have a project that's snowballing?!

i love this little face

2011-07-12T23:11:00.002-04:00

what a perfect start to my day ♥

Mom sewed and I tried not to screw it up

2011-07-11T12:23:00.002-04:00

I've got pinterest/redesign/DIY fever. It's ridiculous. You already know that I sold our old couches and bought a sweet new-to-us sectional. (Check out that post here if you missed it.) The sectional is very neutral so I wanted to get some new curtains and pillows to bring some color into the room. Side note- we just moved to one income due to God's continued faithfulness to our family, so expensive anything is just not an option. I'm fine with that though, I love hunting down good deals. While I was cutting costs and thifting it up like no ones business, I also knew I wanted nice curtains. So, obviously, for my 28th birthday I decided curtains were at the top of my list. Seriously, curtains. Oh well, so curtains it was. I turned to by oh-so-talented mom to help me make them. I had already found the fabric at Joann's and my mom kindly paid for it and helped me make the curtains and recover some throw pillows for my birthday gift. My mom is a really talented seamstress and has made countless quilts, dresses, and curtains. I always default to her, which is probably why I stink at sewing.

I'm not sure exactly how long it took us to make the curtains--- maybe 3 hours? We started out deciding how long I wanted the curtains. I bought 6.5 yards (which is 234 inches) of fabric. We (okay so my mom thought of this) wanted both curtains to look exactly the same so we had to figure out the exact pattern in the print. It worked out and we cut each curtain at about 100 inches. Once we made sure they lined up, we started pinning the sides of the curtain. Let's be real, I suck at pinning. My mom pinned her entire curtain and I was still finishing up my first side. It was laughable how slow and terrible I was at it. Mom had us double the hem and then pin. (see picture) I guess that gives the curtain a cleaner edge. From there my mom measured to make sure that the pins did in fact all measure exactly the same. Let's just say she had to pull a few ~~million~~ pins from my curtain. Once that was done, Mom just sewed along the pins. Phew, that completed the sides. We did the same thing with the bottoms of the curtains.

Finally, we got the top of the curtains. I had originally planned to just hem the entire curtain (which you can do and it's probably 9000 times easier) and buy the rings that just clip onto the fabric; however, I love grommets. I don't know why, but I do. There's something about them that seems fancy or polished or something. So, I found some snap on grommets at Joanns that looked pretty simple. False. This was the point where my mom almost gave up. It was the math. The curtain was 52 inches across. We were using 8 grommets per curtain and my mom suggested we put a grommet 2 inches in on both sides and then space out the other 6 within that. For some reason though, the math was just not coming out right. My mom pinned and repinned the placement for the grommets about 6 times. Finally after an hour of hassle, she was able to figure it out. Thank goodness - math's not my thing and neither is sewing.I would've been screwed if she did throw in the towel! I taught social studies, remember? So anyway, the package came with a nice little template that you could trace on the fabric with a fabric pen and then cut out the circle of fabric (see picture).

At this point, it was all downhill. Once we cut out the fabric, the grommets pretty easily snapped into place and created these beauties:

My curtain rods were originally black, so I used some spray paint (Rust-oleum metallic spray paint- satin nickel) and they ended up matching my grommets perfectly! Here are some other shots and the pillows that we recovered.

There are still plenty of things that I'd like to finish/change/paint in the room. See that black mirror by the entryway- I'm spray painting it white as we speak. See the space between the curtains- I'm looking for something to fill that space. I'm leaning toward a circular framed white mirror. Anyone other ideas on how to fill that space? I'm also debating between pulling the curtain back and leaving it hang, DIY-ing a sign for the other part of the room, finding some accessories, and possibly a plain yellow or green fabric for a few more pillows. So there you have it. Progress in the living room. Later this week I'll show you the other side of the living room with a new light and chair! Here's the quick before/after of the living room from just a few weeks ago:

I love the way they turned out and loved that I got to make them with my mama!

Thanks Mom- you're the best!

ipad 2 giveaway...

2011-07-08T09:56:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I'm not giving an ipad away (sorry), but my dear friend Katie is! Katie and Ryan Enns are friends and fellow believers that are part of our Providence family. They have this incredible desire to adopt a little girl from Congo. So, in an effort to help them get started, there is a giveaway going on. Click over to their blog and enter! Not only will you get the chance to win a sweet new ipad, but you also have the opportunity to come alongside them and help them fulfill this desire to adopt! I'll be back this weekend with some major living room updates - oh word.

7 dollar steal

2011-07-06T21:31:00.001-04:00

I've been eyeing up a rug at Lowe's for the last month. Problem being I wasn't sure it was going to match the new curtains/pillows/etc. Also, it was $30 and I didn't really NEED it. There's that word again. Well, last night I had to get some more spray paint from Lowe's and just happened to look at the rugs. They went on sale for $23 and since I'd been obsessing on it for a month, I decided I'd use some birthday money to get it. Up to the register I went, almost putting it back multiple times. After the cashier scanned my spray paint and rug she said, "wow, you got a good deal." I thought she meant the $23 sale and kind of gave her the yea, I guess so? look. I mean, 7 dollars off wasn't that spectacular. She said, yea, your rug is only $7.50! Wowza. That's what I'm talking about. So, I brought that nice little rug home with me and put it in our entryway. It's a pretty good match to the other colors I am bringing into the living room with the pillows, curtains, and wall art. So, there you have it. If you're looking for an adorably cheap rug, look no further than your nearest Lowe's.

Side note--- there were 4 different rugs being sold from this company. Is it me, or are all the other kind of hideous? Either way, I'm glad they got at least one right! I'm loving the pop of color and the pattern right when you walk in the door!

living room sneak peek

2011-06-30T00:03:00.001-04:00

Here's a little sneak peek at the pillows and curtains my mom and I made this week. Okay, so Jan made most of them, I did a little pinning (which I'm terrible at), ironing, and snapping on some grommets. It was definitely a labor of love at points, but I couldn't be happier with the outcome- curtains especially! I can't wait to see them up at the house along with some other projects that Aaron took care of while I was in the burgh this week! Stay tuned for lots of living room/house project updates next week. For now, here's my mom's handiwork and a new pattern I found to change up the look a little. (I'm still searching for the perfect olive green or mustard yellow to complete the pillow ensemble.) Whoop whoop!

ahh summer, how i love thee

2011-06-27T11:58:00.001-04:00

Stalking Craig and his list

2011-06-20T22:01:00.001-04:00

It's official. I spent over 2 months stalking Craigslist. I needed a new couch. Okay, so need is a strong word, let's say wanted. I wanted a new couch. We had a plaid couch with 2 great recliners, but I was tired of them. Not so much them, they were still clean and comfy, but I was tired of their plaid. The plaid that left me no room to change up colors or ideas or even throw pillows. Case in point:

So, I convinced Aaron to sell them. We bought them on Craigslist for 400 bucks and I ended up selling them (4+ years later) for $360. I was pumped. I then went on a Craigslist selling rampage and put my other couches up for sale too. They were in the basement and no longer being used. I "sold" them to a woman for 300 bucks (It fell through--- anyone need some nice play room/basement couches?). Aaron let me know that I was allowed to spend only what I made from those two couch sets on our new furniture. Boo. He was right though, so the stalking began. I am picky and wanted quite a few specific things. 1- I wanted a sectional. 2- It had to be microfiber. 3- It had to be in fantastic condition. 4- I didn't want the cushions to detach. 5- It had to be less than $660. I had my work cut out for me. When I say I stalked Craigslist, I mean I went to the Craigslist website at least 3 times a day and searched for sectionals. Ridiculous, but that's what you've got to do if you want to get the best stuff on there. I did that for 2 months. 60 days times 3 times a day and it took me over 180 hits on their website to finally find what we'd been looking for. Let's be real, Craigslist is not for the faint of heart. Anyway, it paid off because I ended up getting the deal of all deals. I found my mint condition, meets all my requirements sofa plus some. You see, I got a beautiful almost brand new sectional AND a nice big leather ottoman that has storage space AND he threw in Rockband for Wii. I'm not kidding. If you're reading this kind UPenn doctor, I thank you for the awesome deal. He was relocating and it was too expensive to ship his stuff. I got all of it for $650. Crazy!!! So here are some pictures of the new loves. The green curtains that I posted about on Saturday are up. Nice color, not so nice fabric choices. I already returned them and am hoping to get the curtains made with my mom this weekend! So there's the living room furniture update and thank you Craig for your stalk-able list.

pinterest addiction = idea overload

2011-06-18T17:26:00.001-04:00

I've been in the process of re-doing our living room. We've got new furniture (which I'll post about asap) and it's very neutral, which leaves me with lots of options. I am usually pretty decisive and had picked navy blue and a bright green as the main colors to change things up. I had found bright green curtains and had been basing my living room colors around them. I had pillows to recover and went to a bunch of different fabric shops. I found some awesome fabric, but nothing with awesome prices. Case in point, these two swatches were $16/yd and $22/yd. I love them and love these patterns lately; however, I'm a stickler for price and 22 for a yard just doesn't cut it.

In the middle of this living room redesign, I found pinterest. Actually, Missy did and she made me do it :) I love it. It's got so many good ideas about design, kids, etc. I found that there were SO many spaces that had yellow in them that I just absolutely loved. I had the green curtain swatch and had been taking it around with me to the different fabric stores, but was having trouble finding fabric in the same family of colors for at a reasonable price! I came across a fabric and Jo-Anns and loved it; however, the green in the fabric just did not match the curtains. It got my brain going and after a few days I decided to completely change the direction of where I was going in the living room. I returned the green curtains and bought 6.5 yards of this fabric:

Beautiful- eh? I love it. The top pattern is to make curtains (insert my mom here) and the bottom is to recover pillows. It's Waverly fabric, so it was of course expensive. Originally $20/yard, I got it on sale at $9.99/yd plus an additional 20% off. Pretty sweet if you ask me! So there's your sneak peek at the living room fabrics. Plenty of living room updates coming soon!

bittersweet

2011-06-17T23:22:00.001-04:00

That was today. I have been anticipating this day for the last 15 months. The day that would finally be my last as a teacher and the end of being a working mama. And while I am full of joy for this next chapter, I couldn't help but be sad to leave Downingtown. In fact, I was a blubbery mess this morning. Amidst cleaning out my desk and writing thank yous to the many people that I have come to know and love, I couldn't get the lump out of my throat. Saying goodbye to the school that made me a teacher and that gave me the opportunity to teach and invest in the lives of over 500 kids was hard. It was weird to leave something that I love so much and had worked so hard to become. I went to lunch with friends from the social studies department and then ran a few errands with Sara. Missy texted to tell me that she was hanging out with my friend Carla and to pick up Everett over there. I pulled up to the house and saw a few cars of friends that I recognized. My mind was kind of a blur and I was in my own little world as I walked around the back of the house. Kids were playing and I assumed they were having some kind of Providence (my church) mom's gathering. I walked through the doors and there were 10 of my friends yelling surprise! I cried. My sweet friends threw me a surprise party to celebrate my "retirement" and new career. It was such a blessing, so unexpected. I felt so loved.

So, today was bittersweet. There were lots of tears and moments of pure happiness with the realization that Everett is my only job from here on out. And, I'm thankful for 5 years in a career that I have loved and that has made it hard to leave.

buddies

2011-06-07T12:32:00.001-04:00

Everett and Nolan. Nolan and Everett. These boys love each other, partially because they've been subjected to hanging out regularly because their parents want to! As they've grown, the boys have started playing and interacting and loving each other. It's so fun to watch! Saturday we were hanging out with the Lusby's at my in-laws pool. We got a one year update pic to compare to our pictures from last year. It's crazy how quickly these two have grown from tiny babies to crazy toddlers. Yeay for great friends and especially for great friends with a great kid!

sometimes you just have to stop and play in the puddles

2011-06-01T17:25:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I have to stop myself --- stop myself from saying no Everett, you'll get dirty. Sometimes it'd just be easier to tell him no because I don't want to clean up the mess afterwards. But, at the end of the day, I want to be a mom who seized those opportunities, a mom who played and laughed and got dirty with my kid, a mom who took the time to enjoy these fleeting moments. So we did. We got dirty and wet, but it was well worth the smile on his face and his squeals of laughter. It's a good reminder for me that in the busyness of life sometimes you just have to stop and play in the puddles.

curls be gone

2011-05-27T19:22:00.000-04:00

Everett's hair looked like this:

I loved it. I mean, who doesn't love baby curls. Answer =Aaron. He hated it and insisted that he wasn't "going to have a kid with a mullet." He had actually started to threaten me that one day I'd come home and Everett's hair would be cut. Finally, I relented and we went to Snip-its. The place was pretty impressive. They had distractions by the dozen and well trained hair dressers. I was amazed at how well the girl cutting his hair did! She was really patient and sweet and didn't try to rush to cut off his curls. Everett started melting down about half way through the cut. At the beginning, she pointed out the lollipops. I smiled and said thanks but no thanks, while in my head I was chuckling. Did she have any idea that the closest he's come to candy is a strawberry? that he doesn't even really drink juice? Mid meltdown I swallowed my "non sugar mom pride" and shoved that lollipop in his mouth. Everett was thrilled and so was I since my child wasn't screaming at the top of his lungs, nor having his hair unevenly cut because he was flailing around. The rest of the cut went smoothly and I ended up loving it. He looked like such a big boy with all his curls gone. Sigh... this is going too fast.

perfect provision and a career change

2011-05-17T23:00:00.002-04:00

I have been a teacher at a large public high school in the suburbs of Philadelphia for the last 5 years. I can't say I've loved every minute, but I've enjoyed most. The worst part of my day is the dreaded 5:30am wake up call. The best part has been my students and the ability to not only invest in their education but in their lives as well. I thought I would teach forever, but after Everett I had another career that I wanted- I wanted to be his mom, all day, every day. It wasn't something that I was expecting. It wasn't that I didn't want to be a mom, I just thought I'd be a mom and a teacher at the same time. After nearly a year, I can say that being a working mom is one of the hardest things I've ever done. So, after Everett was born we started praying. Praying that somehow the Lord would do a miracle with our finances... you see we need half of my salary in order to make ends meet. We prayed for 6 months that I wouldn't have to go back to work, but come August we were not any closer to me staying home. The Lord was providing for us in other ways though, like with the blessing of having Missy watch Everett during the week.

Work started and in some ways it was easy enough to fall back into my routines. I knew the curriculum and have worked really hard with lessons and projects and ideas so it wasn't stressful trying to plan, but as always there's the grading and revising and just plain teaching involved. The hardest part was being away from Everett. I often cried to Aaron feeling like Everett wasn't getting the best of me, but simply what was left after 8 hours with rowdy teenagers. I felt like I was "doing all my jobs" (wife, mom, dog owner, home owner, teacher) but I wasn't doing any of them as well as I could. It was a real struggle for me, because I have always been someone who never likes to give anything less than 100%. So, I just kept going, but daily feeling exhausted by the many jobs I had to juggle. We continued to pray, still believing that the Lord would provide. In November, Aaron had a review. We were praying and praying- Lord let this be it! Aaron's review went great and we anxiously awaited news of what that great review meant. We didn't find out that news until 2 months later! It was during those months that I saw the Lord really pushing me to be patient and wait on Him. It was hard and Aaron can attest to the fact that I wasn't the best at being patient.

I got a call from Aaron on his way home from work one night in mid January- finally the news we'd been waiting for. Aaron was given a promotion and a pay raise. Not just any pay raise, but the EXACT dollar amount that we'd been praying for. And no small amount either. Aaron was given a 40% raise in a bad economy. We could do nothing but praise the Lord for his perfect provision down to the dollar amount. What an amazing testimony of the way the Lord answers prayers, the way He is our provider!

We were left with decisions now. Could I just quit? I wanted to. I wanted to just stop that very day and stay at home, but we realized that wasn't what the Lord was calling us to. After much prayer and a few tears, we decided I would finish out the school year. It didn't make all the jobs I was juggling any less daunting, but it was light at the end of the tunnel. Looking back I can clearly see that the Lord needed me to be at school this spring. Needed me to be with my sweet friend Sara to support her and love her and be with her daily.

So here it is, one month until the end of the school year. One month and one day until I won't be a teacher any more. The thought brings tears to my eyes for so many reasons--- the realization of prayers that have been prayed for the last 14 months, the end of a career that I have loved with students and colleagues that I will miss, and a little anxiety for this next stage of life.

But--- the thought of June 17th also brings me sheer, undeniable, uncontainable JOY ...to be able to play, invest, teach and love my sweet little boy all day long. How thankful I am for God's amazing provision, for a husband who works incredibly hard so that I can stay home, for an amazing little boy that I have the opportunity to raise.

Psalm 145:3-7... Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

MRI update- amen and amen!

2011-05-16T23:20:00.002-04:00

Last Friday, Everett had an MRI at CHOP. It was a follow-up to his 12 month cardiologist appointment. If you don't know why Everett goes to the cardiologist- read this blog post from last summer. Long story short, Everett was born with a heart murmur which we came to find out is a heart condition called aortic valve stenosis (a narrowed heart valve) and a ballooned artery past that valve. Our doctor wanted to see a more definitive picture of Everett's heart and specifically that ballooned artery. He was concerned because during Everett's 12 month echo that section of the artery was measuring at 20mm and 15mm is the normal measurement. We got a call from our doctor tonight with amazing, prayer answering news. He said that the MRI gave information that he couldn't be happier about. The news is twofold: Everett's narrow valve (aortic stenosis) is operating at 90-95% which is great news! Secondly, remember I said the echo measured the artery at 20mm? Well the MRI measured that same ballooned artery at 16mm!!! The difference of 4mm in a tiny little heart is immense! Our doctor was SO happy with the MRI results and told us that the difference between Everett's artery and a normal artery is so slim, that he isn't even sure that the original diagnosis of the ballooned artery is correct. Typically, in children with Everett's valve condition, the artery is enlarged for a time, so Everett's artery appears to be relatively normal, which is what prompted the doctor to tell us that Everett may grow out of the ballooned artery!

I know that's a lot of medical terminology and information, but bottom line, we got the best report possible, other than hearing that he is completely healed! Everett doesn't need to go back to the cardiologist until next summer. Our doctor is really positive about Everett's diagnosis and we are just beyond thankful that the Lord continues to heal Everett. We are so in awe of the way that the Lord answers prayer and hears our cries. Thank you Lord for faithfully walking beside us in all of this.
Amen and Amen!

mothers day- take 2

2011-05-08T22:14:00.002-04:00

A year ago I had a tiny little two month old. This year I have a running, laughing, wild 14 month old. It's crazy how much has changed about Everett--- his looks and all the things he can do and eat, and yet there's so much that remains the same... his sweet smile, his happy attitude, and the JOY and the fullness he brings to my heart. There are so many blessings in life, but one of the greatest is being this little boys mom!

I'm not Catholic, but I found myself agreeing with the Vatican today...

2011-05-02T22:22:00.002-04:00

The Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi

"Osama bin Laden, as we all know, had the very grave responsibility of spreading division and hatred amongst the people, causing the death of countless of people, and of instrumentalizing religion for this end," he said. "In front of the death of man, a Christian never rejoices but rather reflects on the grave responsibility of each one in front of God and men, and hopes and commits himself so that every moment not be an occasion for hatred to grow but for peace."

I woke up this morning to about a million status updates on facebook about Osama Bin Laden. I had fallen asleep on the couch (for about the 3rd time last week) and didn't hear the news until this morning. Aaron and I talked about it as we got ready, Sara and I talked about it at work, students talked about it in class. I think if this occurred 5 years ago, I may have been celebrating today, but the Lord has been changing my heart. I used to think death penalty- yes! war-yes! MY idea of justice- yes! Today though, I didn't feel much for celebrating. Not that I don't believe that Bin Laden was guilty of every charge against him and the heinous things he has done to our country and our world, but simply because what does his death propel... an end to terrorism? peace in the middle east and our world? bringing back the people he killed? No, it very much does the opposite. I guess the Lord has been challenging me on what I believe justice looks like and recognizing that justice is HIS. That he is the only one called to be judge and jury. All this being said, it doesn't mean that I am not incredibly thankful for the military and their willingness to sacrifice on my behalf. I believe those Navy Seals completed the task they were asked and with courage and valor. I just wish their orders might have been different. And I am praying tonight for peace in our world. Praying that each of us would reflect on the sacrifice that Christ made for us and recognize that we don't need to worry about justice because in the end it will be the Lord's.

***Sorry for the political post. I usually avoid these but there was just too much going on in my brain to join the ranks of another Bin Laden facebook status. I'll get back to pictures of Everett and his cheerful gap toothed grin soon :)

sometimes there just aren't enough rocks...

2011-04-21T12:28:00.001-04:00

I've been feeling like that this past week. Really just struggling with the loss of Luke and just how unfair and terrible it feels. I've been searching the scriptures for comfort, for answers. I know that my words are nothing more than nice words, but that scripture can bring comfort and life and joy back to Sara and Keith. I find that the Psalms bring so much comfort and peace. Psalm 40 in particular is my prayer for them:

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord.

I am praying with confidence, knowing that the Lord will pull them out of their hurt and despair, He will be their solid ground to stand on, and eventually He will give them joy in their hearts. I know that the Lord uses his people to tell the message of his love and redemption, and I believe that He will do that through the faith of Sara and Keith. Please continue to pray for healing in their hearts, peace with unanswed questions, and comfort for each moment.

Remembering Luke

2011-04-14T16:17:00.002-04:00

Sara Thomas is one of my best friends. Her and I have shared life together the last four years. It was an instant friendship based on our love for Jesus and teaching high school kids. We work together in the same department, teach the same course, share materials and lunches and rides to school. There have been plenty of weekend grad classes, morning coffee runs and shopping trips. We've been there with each other for her wedding and the birth of both of our boys. And on Tuesday, I was with my dear friend when her baby boy went to heaven.

There aren't any words to describe the grief and pain that I feel for my sweet friend. I can't pretend to even understand how she's feeling. The only thing I do know and cling to is a sovereign, faithful God. God didn't create us to experience death, death is here because of sin. No wonder it doesn't make sense and is seemingly impossible to deal with. I know that Christ is mourning with Sara and Keith. In all of this, I am 100% sure that the Lord will stand by Sara and Keith and give them what they need to make it through the next hours, weeks, and months. Pray with me for Sara, Keith and their families. Pray for peace and comfort and for the reminder that there is hope because Jesus not only lived this life and understands our hurts, but also because he died and took on our sins for the redemption of mankind.

I love you Sara Thomas and I loved your little boy.

DIY Update

2011-04-07T21:10:00.003-04:00

Back in February I gave you a list of projects that we're working on around the house. We've crossed a few things off that list and added a few more! Here's the new, revised list:

1- ~~Fix the kitchen light.~~
2- Repaint the dining room.
3. ~~(Neatly) mount the television above our fireplace.~~
4. Get rid of the Tiffany's-esque chandelier that hangs in an awkward place in our living room.
5. Update the ceiling fan in our bedroom.
6. ~~Rearrange the furniture in the living room.~~
7. Add some wall art to our master bedroom/bathroom/living room.
8. Update our upstairs bathroom light fixtures.
9. Repaint the red in the half bath.
~~10. Sell living room and mancave couches on craigslist.~~
11. Find a sectional for the living room and redecorate!

We picked out a glossy black paint to cover up the hideousness that was our kitchen light. It turned out pretty good with only 10 minutes of painting! Eventually we would like to replace the light completely, but that includes drywall, spacle, and other things we don't have time to mess with at the moment. So for now, the black paint will just have to do :)

Mounting the flat screen above the fireplace took a little longer. Seth came up and helped Aaron. They cut a small hole into the drywall behind the tv, ran the wires, and swapped a regular faceplate for one that would accommodate all the wires. They made it look easy and did it in one night! At first, I was unsure. Did we do the right thing? The tv looked huge above the fireplace. I then had to figure out what the heck I was going to do to decorate it. I poured over design blogs and googled my heart out, but found that most people think you shouldn't mount a tv above the fireplace.... too late for that. I knew I needed something a little taller to balance out the tv. I remembered seeing a tutorial for 10 minute topiaries and started thinking maybe that would be the solution for my design problems. It took me 6 stores to find the exact pots I wanted and about $8 for each topiary, but I ended up loving the results!

We ended up rearranging the furniture in the living room and dining room; however, I couldn't find a picture of what the original set up looked like?! I guess the big reveal will have to be after we re-do it, color scheme, couches, and all. I started getting this itch to switch things up, especially in my living room. I talked to Aaron about it and he said that we didnt' really need new furniture. I agreed because, well, he was right. Our couches are in great condition, but they are a red plaid and kind of hard to decorate around. We agreed to sell our 2 couch sets on craigslist and use the proceeds to buy the new couch. I've decided I think I want a sectional. Hopefully I'll have an update for you in the next month!

So there you go. We've got a few things off our list... and added a few more!

sun and seventies. finally.

2011-04-04T21:58:00.001-04:00

Today was an absolutely beautiful day. Sunny and warm... heck it felt balmy after 5 months of cold temps! We decided to get out and enjoy the warm weather before the rain starts up tomorrow. The doggies needed a good walk and we wanted to try out Everett's sweet new wagon. Mimi and Pop-pop, Aunt Erika, and Aunt Kelsey got him an awesome radio flyer wagon. It's like the cadillac of wagons. It has two flip up seats with straps (which we NEED since Everett doesn't sit still or stay in one place unless tied down), cup holders, and room for two. Everett ended up loving it! We walked for 45 minutes and not once did he do anything but smile, babble, and squeal! I'm looking forward to many nights this summer on long walks with my little fam ...

a little unsure at first...

getting excited!

smiling at daddy

watching the cars go by while we wait to cross route 10

Thanks Mimi, Pop-pop, Aunt Erika, and Aunt Kelsey! I love it!!!

these are a few of my favorite things...

2011-03-25T23:16:00.001-04:00

Lately, I've been obsessing on a few things...

*My camelbak bite and sip bottle. I love the color, I love the bite straw action, and I love that I can keep track of how many ounces I'm guzzling.

*The Jesus Storeybook Bible: Aaron's dad read him bible stories every night before bed as a kid. We decided we wanted to do the same with Everett. Luckily, Aaron's parents still had their original book (which Aaron plans on using), but I wanted my own. I stumbled onto this one on Amazon and Everett's daytime mama Missy assured me that it was pretty awesome and it is. In fact, I love it. I love the illustrations, I love the way they present the gospel and the way each bible story points to Jesus, because that's what it's all about! I could go on...

*Weight watchers. online. It's not just your mom's weight loss program anymore. No seriously. I was inspired by my blogger friend Katie when she lost the last of her baby weight. After much self denial, (seriously--- wasn't the last 10 lbs supposed to just fall off?!) I decided my pants could definitely look better on. I'd never dieted before so I didn't even know where to start, but Katie made a pretty convincing argument with her fitting beautifully into her pre-pre-prego wardrobe and all. So, I bit the bullet, and joined their online program. Obviously this is on my favorite list, so I'm liking it. It's really user friendly and even has an app for my iphone. It took 5 weeks, but I lost the last 10 Everett pounds! I think I may just go for another 10...

*TRESemme' Freshstart Dry Shampoo: I love this stuff. I'm busy, seemingly all the time. And I just don't have time to wash my hair everyday. Sleep, my hubby, and son are too important. So occasionally, (as in every other weekday) I use this. I was skeptical at first, but fell hook, line and sinker after using it. A couple weeks ago, I ran out and just grabbed another brand. Usually I couldn't care less what brand something is (unless it's Heinz Ketchup of course) but the Suave brand of dry shampoo was terribly worthless. Luckily, my TRESemme' was back on the shelves this week and back in my hair as of tomorow morning.

*Crazy Love by Francis Chan... I'm reading this book with my lovely friend Carla. We like to call it a "bible study" of sorts. Plus, by calling it that we can meet at Starbucks and drink coffee and the hubbys are cool with it ;) Seriously though, this book is convicting, thought provoking, and just the swift kick I've needed to really examine my life, actions, and view of God. Read it.

*Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus: Tried it, loved it. Eat it with pretzels daily.

So there you have it. Anyone have any bandwagons I need to jump on? Favorites to add?

My Gram

2011-03-16T21:53:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a good morning. We had woken up for our last day in Vermont with the Magees. I was making bacon and eggs when my dad called. My hands were full and I just let it go to voicemail. I thought it was weird that he was calling at 9 on a Sunday morning, also weird that he actually left a voicemail. It was Gram. She had passed away at 4:30 this morning. I didn't really know how to react. I had visited with her at Christmas. She wasn't doing well and was barely talking. It was a drastic change from when I was hanging out with her over Labor Day. I knew that I was probably going to get this phone call, but I didn't think so soon. I mean really, I didn't want that phone call. ever. I really loved my Grandma and had a great relationship with her. Her and my Grandpa loved me and I knew it. It was so evident to me in the time that they spent with me, in the way that they were involved with my life, and in the many times that they had told me so. I can remember summers spent hanging out with Gram during the day. She watched my sisters and I every day during our summer breaks. She made me pancakes nearly every day. She called me the pancake kid. I'm so thankful for my Grandma and her influence on my life. I'm thankful that she was willing to hang out with us and love us and put up with all our crazy non-sense.

I got one last "I love you" from Grandma at Christmas. She wasn't really talking or responding to much. She was smiling at Everett and seemed happy to see us. Dad and I stayed to hang out for a while longer. We fed her dinner and watched Jeopardy, which Gram loved. We talked with her, even though she wasn't talking back. As we got ready to leave I hugged her, gave her a kiss and told her I loved her, and to my surprise, she said I love you too. It was one last sweet reminder of what I already knew.

Celebrating Everett

2011-03-06T22:42:00.003-05:00

We had so much fun celebrating Everett with our families! We're thankful that so many people love our little man. A special thanks to Mimi and Pop-pop for all their help getting ready for the party, Robin Smalley for the incredibly cute and delicious cake, the O'Malleys for watching our pups and to Uncle Luke for the machete, dart guns, and other "age appropriate" toys :)

Happy birthday little love!

2011-03-03T17:23:00.001-05:00

Dear Everett,

You are one today. 365 days ago you made me a Mama and I've loved every minute of it. It has been an amazing, joyful, fun year. My heart fills to overflowing when I think about how much I love you. Your sweet little face with those big, squeezable cheeks and your big blue eyes that are constantly smiling at me. You have grown into a little wild man who wants to be running around the house and getting into everything. You squeal with delight when Marley or Kai sit long enough to let you pet them. You have that funny little walk where you have to lean back to support your cute pot belly. You think Daddy is the funniest person ever. Most nights I just sit and listen to the two of you laughing with each other during bath time, wanting to stay in those moments a little while longer. This year has gone so fast- too fast. You've grown so quickly from that tiny little baby to a walking, talking, happy little boy. I am thankful that the Lord entrusted me to be your mama, to raise you and love you and tell you about Jesus. I am excited for this next year and our adventures together.

Happy birthday my sweet boy!
I love you more than I ever thought possible.
Mama

Cribs- Everett style

2011-03-02T19:00:00.001-05:00

While I was pregnant, I documented everything, including the progress of Everett's nursery; however, I never put up the final product. Since Everett arrived all sneakily with my water breaking, I never ended up taking final pictures and posting them to the blog. I also never found a good reason to post them until now. So here you go- Everett's nursery reveal- 1 year late :)

So there you have it folks- Everett's room

month 11

2011-03-01T22:22:00.001-05:00

I really, really love this little boy. With just a few days left before his birthday, I have such a mix of emotions. This first year has gone so fast. I love seeing him grow and develop, but I'm sad that he is quickly becoming less baby and more little boy.

month ten

2011-02-28T22:26:00.001-05:00

Where did my little baby go? It's like overnight I got a little man. Everett started taking steps this month and got his bottom two teeth. He also started eating more table food and loves everything from ritz crackers to cheese and blueberries. He had so much fun at Christmas- ripping off wrapping paper, ~~eating it~~, and playing with the boxes. It has been so fun to see his little personality develop. He is wild and crazy and just plain happy. He is goofy just like Aaron - sticking his tongue out and making crazy noises. He absolutely adores Aaron and (just like mom) laughs at all of dad's antics. I just can't get enough of this sweet face.