Friday, April 30, 2010
the winner is...
Congrats to Kandyce...
she won the book giveaway.
But those of you who entered
(who were all my close friends)
let me know if you want to borrow it,
and I'll send it over after Amy's done with it.
I've got a couple more to giveaway in May!
So make sure to stay tuned!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
book giveaway
Just a quick reminder!
My book giveaway for
"The Bridegrooms"
ends tonight!!
Just leave a comment on
the post about the book,
you can find the link to the left!
Good Luck!
My book giveaway for
"The Bridegrooms"
ends tonight!!
Just leave a comment on
the post about the book,
you can find the link to the left!
Good Luck!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
tug of war
If you're a mom,
I know you've felt it.
The tug of war inside your head.
If I clean today, the kids will either
A) end up watching lots of tv or
B) playing by themselves.
But if I just play with the kids today,
the pile of laundry will be bigger tomorrow,
the dishes won't get done,
the clutter will NEVER go away
and so on and so forth.
Then you wonder when you'll get a day off
and realize with this job that just doesn't happen.
AND THAT'S OKAY.
But it's nice to have a little mommy time,
it's nice to go to the bathroom alone,
it's nice to hear your phone conversations,
it's nice to eat warm food...
(I know you're all out there nodding your head with me)
And when you finally DO get a little mommy time,
you feel GUILTY.
But I should have made dinner before I left,
there's still laundry to put away,
I should help put the kids to bed,
my husband and I need some time too...
It's a tug of war,
a battle.
And I wonder how to win at this battle.
I've been a little absent lately.
Maybe you noticed, maybe you didn't.
With all the INTERESTING blogs out there to read
it probably doesn't matter if I don't post for a while.
I really feel the need to get "caught up"
even knowing that I never will.
I really feel the need to be a kid again
and just play and play and play...
even though I'm pretty tired lately.
I really feel the need to just get away
from the little blogging world I'm in...
for a bit.
I still have blogging commitments to fill,
teams I'm on and blog swaps I've committed too,
and I will fulfill those commitments,
but I just don't know how much I'll be around here...
for a bit.
I've got a busy week too...
three photo shoots in less than a week.
Funny how I can go months with NOTHING
and then three back to back.
I'll obviously be posting sneak peaks from those sessions
on my photography blog...
but just don't want to commit to anything here right now.
I feel like I've pressured myself into posting EVERYDAY!
And I just don't need that right now,
especially from myself!
Now, my mind might change tomorrow,
I am a woman after all and allowed to change my mind.
But for a bit...I'm gonna log off,
just check my email and do my photo work
and be done with the computer.
I'm sure my hubby will be happy,
and my kids and my house will
no doubt benefit from this as well.
Goodbye...for a bit.
I know you've felt it.
The tug of war inside your head.
If I clean today, the kids will either
A) end up watching lots of tv or
B) playing by themselves.
But if I just play with the kids today,
the pile of laundry will be bigger tomorrow,
the dishes won't get done,
the clutter will NEVER go away
and so on and so forth.
Then you wonder when you'll get a day off
and realize with this job that just doesn't happen.
AND THAT'S OKAY.
But it's nice to have a little mommy time,
it's nice to go to the bathroom alone,
it's nice to hear your phone conversations,
it's nice to eat warm food...
(I know you're all out there nodding your head with me)
And when you finally DO get a little mommy time,
you feel GUILTY.
But I should have made dinner before I left,
there's still laundry to put away,
I should help put the kids to bed,
my husband and I need some time too...
It's a tug of war,
a battle.
And I wonder how to win at this battle.
I've been a little absent lately.
Maybe you noticed, maybe you didn't.
With all the INTERESTING blogs out there to read
it probably doesn't matter if I don't post for a while.
I really feel the need to get "caught up"
even knowing that I never will.
I really feel the need to be a kid again
and just play and play and play...
even though I'm pretty tired lately.
I really feel the need to just get away
from the little blogging world I'm in...
for a bit.
I still have blogging commitments to fill,
teams I'm on and blog swaps I've committed too,
and I will fulfill those commitments,
but I just don't know how much I'll be around here...
for a bit.
I've got a busy week too...
three photo shoots in less than a week.
Funny how I can go months with NOTHING
and then three back to back.
I'll obviously be posting sneak peaks from those sessions
on my photography blog...
but just don't want to commit to anything here right now.
I feel like I've pressured myself into posting EVERYDAY!
And I just don't need that right now,
especially from myself!
Now, my mind might change tomorrow,
I am a woman after all and allowed to change my mind.
But for a bit...I'm gonna log off,
just check my email and do my photo work
and be done with the computer.
I'm sure my hubby will be happy,
and my kids and my house will
no doubt benefit from this as well.
Goodbye...for a bit.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
sweet shot tuesday
Just downloaded photos from our trip to the zoo yesterday.They love to climb on the lions!!!
Loved this one and thought I'd share it on "sweet shot tuesday"
We had an awesome family fun day yesterday.
Packed about a weeks worth of stuff in one day!
Breakfast at Panera, a trip to the zoo,
picnic lunch at the park, played on the playground,
naps, washed the van and car, played in the sprinkler,
dinner and a trip to JoAnn fabrics.
It would have been the perfect day except
I got ANOTHER headache after the zoo,
but I tried to keep a smile on my face and enjoy every moment!
water photo
Hey friends,We're having a little "shutter love"
photo contest over at Trendy Treehouse
every Tuesday!!
Please join us in entering your favorite/best
WATER photo!!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
weekend off
I'm taking this weekend off,
from posting that is...
but you will find me over at
Trendy Treehouse tomorrow morning.
Just need to get my ducks in a row.
Start writing out my to-do list...
and actually start crossing things off.
Blogging is not on that list...
although I do have many things to blog.
But it's just gonna have to wait.
Till Monday, maybe Tuesday...
I'm not exactly sure.
But don't forget to enter the
BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!
Have a blessed weekend!
and don't forget to attend
your favorite place of worship
on SUNDAY!
from posting that is...
but you will find me over at
Trendy Treehouse tomorrow morning.
Just need to get my ducks in a row.
Start writing out my to-do list...
and actually start crossing things off.
Blogging is not on that list...
although I do have many things to blog.
But it's just gonna have to wait.
Till Monday, maybe Tuesday...
I'm not exactly sure.
But don't forget to enter the
BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!
Have a blessed weekend!
and don't forget to attend
your favorite place of worship
on SUNDAY!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
confession
I am a procrastinator.
There I said it.
Not just any procrastinator.
But the worst.
Well, sometimes I think
that I don't procrastinate,
I just don't remember.
Maybe if I actually wrote out
my to-do list...
rather than keeping in safely
tucked inside my head.
There I said it.
Not just any procrastinator.
But the worst.
Well, sometimes I think
that I don't procrastinate,
I just don't remember.
Maybe if I actually wrote out
my to-do list...
rather than keeping in safely
tucked inside my head.
Then maybe I would get things done.I just found this very cute photo
of Greg and Naomi from
I just found this very cute photoJune of 2007.
And I'm so embarrassed to tell
you why I found this photo.
But let's just say it has to do
with procrastination and
forgetfullness.
And you, one person out there
who knows what this photo is from.
This is my public apology!
I am SOOO sorry.
I am getting all worked up inside.
It makes me sick to think of
what I've done.
Please forgive me.
And enjoy the fruits of my labor.
I think I better start writing things down.
Because when I do,
and I can cross things off a list,
I know what needs to be done,
and it feels so good
to ACTUALLY get it done.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
the bridegrooms: book review and giveaway
Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.
Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.
Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.
My review: When I first started reading this book I got distracted by other things. I would read a chapter a night and still want to know what was going to happen. Then I picked it up a couple weeks later and finished the book (13 chapters) in one day. It kept me wanting to read, wanting to know what happened. The book is full of stories of grace, love and forgiveness. There are many great examples in the book of how we have to rely on God and allow Him to lead us. This was a book set in the late 1800's and it takes place in one week of this families life. They have a busy crazy week and I won't ruin the book and tell you how it all comes out at the end! I really enjoyed another look into life in a different time period. The baseball stories were great too. This is a great read and I really know you'll enjoy it! It it full of love, mystery, romance, grace and family!
Purchase this book:
You can buy this book for $13.99 at WaterBrook Multnomah
Win this book:
One lucky reader will win their very own copy of "The Bridegrooms"
One entry per person.
Just leave a comment telling me who you would give this book to if you win it! (of course you could just keep it for yourself!)
Giveaway is open till Thursday, April 29th at 11:59pm.
I will use Random.org to pick a winner and announce the winner here on Friday April 30th. Please make sure to leave a valid email address so I can contact you if you win!
This book was provided for review and giveaway by WaterBrook Multnomah
she colors my day
Chances are you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.
My aunt and my best friends mom are both survivors and very strong women.
There are many many women who suffer
from this disease and lots is being done to help them.
I just found out about this awesome movement
created to celebrate the bond between mothers and daughters.
It's called She Colors My Day.
This movement embarks upon a global journey to create for a cure.
Inspired by a mother's infinite love, this ever widening circle of caring
will benefit the Susan G Komen for a Cure Foundation
and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's/ Women's Cancer Research Group
biomarker project.
How can you get involved?
My aunt and my best friends mom are both survivors and very strong women.
There are many many women who suffer
from this disease and lots is being done to help them.
I just found out about this awesome movement
created to celebrate the bond between mothers and daughters.
It's called She Colors My Day.
This movement embarks upon a global journey to create for a cure.
Inspired by a mother's infinite love, this ever widening circle of caring
will benefit the Susan G Komen for a Cure Foundation
and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's/ Women's Cancer Research Group
biomarker project.
How can you get involved?
- Color With Us- We can start by taking the first steps to coloring someone else's day through a platform we all know well- Facebook. The She Colors My Day pink crayon is a Facebook application created to be shared with those we love. The pink crayon can be virtually passed around on Facebook so we can all help to create for a cure.
- Sing Along- The "She Colors My Day" song co-written by Cristina Carlino and Stuart Mathis for Cristina's daughter has been recorded by multi-Grammy award winner, Amy Grant. Download the "She Colors My Day Song" and video and help to support this organization. A portion of net proceeds from the song supports the She Colors My Day project, benefiting Susan G. Komen for a Cure ® Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's/Women's Cancer Research Group.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
micah's 2 year photo shoot
I've been wanting to take Micah out for a couple of weeks
and do his two-year-old photo shoot...
but it just never seemed to work out.
Until, yesterday morning.but it just never seemed to work out.
We put him back in his crib on Sunday night.
I never blogged about it, but we moved him
to a big boy bed the Thursday after Easter...
and a week and a half later we realized
that he needs more time in his crib.
He's not climbing out of his crib at all,
so we knew that it would be okay to put him back in there.
It was just wearing us out having to put him back in bed
500 times, and disciplining him,
and so on and so forth,
so we decided to wait till the end of July.
Then we'll try again.
I hope we're not messing him up too much.
UGH!
The life of a parent is never easy.
Anyway, back to the photo shoot.
Micah slept till 9:30am yesterday,
(guess he was making up for all the lost
sleep he had while sharing a room with our early riser)
so I had to get him ready fast because
I needed to do his photo shoot before
his 11am doctors appointment.
So we're driving away from home and it's 10:30!!
I knew I really didn't have much time at all,
so we stopped at our neighborhoods golf course
and did a quick 10 minute photo shoot.
But seriously, I'm pretty sure it was one of the best
10 minute photo shoots I'll ever have.
Micah listened very well to my instruction.
He didn't put up any fights,
he even looked at the camera a few times.
He never ran away or sat down in protest.
Seriously, I've never gotten this many good photos in 10 minutes!
Here are just a few of my favorites!
You can see a bunch more here
and one collage here!
The guys who were working at the course must havethought he was pretty cute,
they kept waving at him,
telling him to smile....
it was pretty cute.
They must have thought we're a big golfing family
given the sweater vest and plaid shorts!
Everything went great at the doctors too.He weighs 30lbs and is 36 1/4 inches tall!
They say that's 75% for weight and 90% for height.
The dr. told me that he's pretty tall,
which I think is funny because if you know
Greg and I in real life we're not "tall" people!
He did get one shot,
cried a bit and then just
kept putting his hand on his leg and saying
oww! oww!
What a great, handsome little man!
I love this kid!!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
car cozy
We were invited to our friends sons 7th birthday party!
I was clueless as to what to get for a 7 year old boy.
Then I thought of something I could make.
A car cozy/carrier for him to put a few cars in
and play on as well.
I first saw the idea here and then
saw a couple variations here and here.
Since I amcheap thrifty,
I made this as thrifty as I could.
I bought one yard of the backing fabric (on sale)
and cut it into four pieces so I could make four of these.
Then I just bought a few fat quarters at JoAnn's
(which were also on sale)
and everything else I had on hand already.
So it was pretty easy to make,
but took a little longer than I thought it would
because I painted a few of the elements on
instead of using fabric.
I wanted to make sure it was completely
washable so that is why I did not use felt.
If you'd care for a tutorial
on how I put this together let me know.
I've got the photos just didn't have the time
to get it together for this mornings post.
I do have one that I made for Micah
that if anyone needs a little boy gift
and would like to buy it, let me know
and I'll put it in my shop for you!
I was clueless as to what to get for a 7 year old boy.
Then I thought of something I could make.
A car cozy/carrier for him to put a few cars in
and play on as well.
I first saw the idea here and then
saw a couple variations here and here.
Since I am
I made this as thrifty as I could.
I bought one yard of the backing fabric (on sale)
and cut it into four pieces so I could make four of these.
Then I just bought a few fat quarters at JoAnn's
(which were also on sale)
and everything else I had on hand already.
So it was pretty easy to make,
but took a little longer than I thought it would
because I painted a few of the elements on
instead of using fabric.
I wanted to make sure it was completely
washable so that is why I did not use felt.
If you'd care for a tutorial
on how I put this together let me know.
I've got the photos just didn't have the time
to get it together for this mornings post.
I do have one that I made for Micahthat if anyone needs a little boy gift
and would like to buy it, let me know
and I'll put it in my shop for you!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
just listed
Just listed these cute tie onesies in my shop!
Got a little man?
Need a shower gift?
These would be perfect!
Check em out!
Got a little man?
Need a shower gift?
These would be perfect!
Check em out!
beef in a basket
It's weird how different pregnancies can be.
I never really craved much with the first two,
just wanted to eat all the time.
With this one it's turning into one thing after another
and it's not like one thing is replacing another,
just adding onto it.
So currently I could eat at any moment,
a really good sandwich
(meat, cheese, mayo, mustard, peppers, tomatoes, you name it)
noodles, like ramen or the Simply Asian ones
and recently I've been craving
BBQ sauce.
How weird is that?
I try to make things that include BBQ sauce
just so I can eat some and add more for dipping!
So last night I made my friend Kate's Beef in a Basket recipe.
I've made this before and it's super easy and yummy!
I've got a little mini tutorial up today over at Trendy Treehouse
so feel free to go check it out!And do yourself a favor and make these soon!
They are SOOOO yummy!
I'm gonna go eat the leftover ones now!
I never really craved much with the first two,
just wanted to eat all the time.
With this one it's turning into one thing after another
and it's not like one thing is replacing another,
just adding onto it.
So currently I could eat at any moment,
a really good sandwich
(meat, cheese, mayo, mustard, peppers, tomatoes, you name it)
noodles, like ramen or the Simply Asian ones
and recently I've been craving
BBQ sauce.
How weird is that?
I try to make things that include BBQ sauce
just so I can eat some and add more for dipping!
So last night I made my friend Kate's Beef in a Basket recipe.
I've made this before and it's super easy and yummy!
I've got a little mini tutorial up today over at Trendy Treehouse
so feel free to go check it out!
And do yourself a favor and make these soon!They are SOOOO yummy!
I'm gonna go eat the leftover ones now!
Friday, April 16, 2010
i need your help
I am currently designing an album for some clients...
and I need your help.
This album is for their maternity/newborn sessions.
I would love to include some quotes/scriptures on the pages.
Can you help?This album is for their maternity/newborn sessions.
I would love to include some quotes/scriptures on the pages.
Either by leaving me a link to a great "quote site"
or by leaving your favorite quote...
oh and it''s for a boy.
I'll just share one layout I made...
so far its my favorite!Those are the words of Psalm 139 over her belly!
This is a square album so this layout actually has two pages!
Those are the words of Psalm 139 over her belly!This is a square album so this layout actually has two pages!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
happy tax day
Hope you're all done with the taxes.
Some of you probably already have your return spent.
Can I tell you how extremely DUMB I am.
Seriously people, you're not gonna believe this!
I took the big envelope to the post office yesterday,
to drop in the box,
to make sure it was post-marked on time.
Yeah!Can I tell you how extremely DUMB I am.
Seriously people, you're not gonna believe this!
I took the big envelope to the post office yesterday,
to drop in the box,
to make sure it was post-marked on time.
That's not the dumb part.
I was telling Greg about this once he got home from Austin,
he said, "how many stamps did you have to put on it"
STAMPS!?!!??
OH MY GOODNESS!
I forgot to put stamps on the stupid envelope.
Where is my mind!!!???
Seriously, who is that dumb?
It did look a little empty in that corner,
but it NEVER occurred to me to put a stamp on it.
Just assumed the government would pay for it! ha!
Anyway, I'm saying a prayer that we'll get it back today,
so I can take it to the post office,
with stamps on it
and get it mailed in.
Because it's been done since Monday morning.
UGH! SO dumb!
I hate mommy brain!!
I need THS right now!
Just painted this for my cousin!
Hope she loves it!
Hope she loves it!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
childs book giveaway
Don't forget that I have another book giveaway
that ends Thursday!
Just leave a comment on THIS post to be entered to win!
Check back Friday to see if you've won!
that ends Thursday!
Just leave a comment on THIS post to be entered to win!
Check back Friday to see if you've won!
easter photos
Here are a few of the photos we got on Easter.
I took the kids outside in the morning because I knew
they probably wouldn't be up for it by the end of church.
After church we tried to get a good family photo,
the church was all locked up by the time Greg
got done shaking hands and stuff.
Yes, I know he has a key, but then you have to turn on lights
and the kids were almost "done" by that time,
so it was good to just get a "good" family photo (albeit windblown)
You can see the rest here.
I took the kids outside in the morning because I knew
they probably wouldn't be up for it by the end of church.
After church we tried to get a good family photo,
the church was all locked up by the time Greg
got done shaking hands and stuff.
Yes, I know he has a key, but then you have to turn on lights
and the kids were almost "done" by that time,
so it was good to just get a "good" family photo (albeit windblown)
You can see the rest here.Tuesday, April 13, 2010
laundry room clean up!
Greg has been working on cleaning and organizing the garage.
He's been building shelves and putting things away,
It looks so good in there and we have even MORE
room to park the cars now!
(which comes in handy with the expanding belly)
So he emptied a bookshelf that has been in there and told me
that I could use it in the laundry room to store the kids craft materials
and other items that were messily in place.
So, yesterday while I had the house to myself for the better
part of the day I took advantage and TOTALLY
cleaned and organized the laundry room.
I like the bookshelves so much better,
because now I can actually get to all the supplies,
and easily see what we have and what we don't.
No this did not take me the whole day,
I took little computer breaks,
I also went to Thrift Town
(got some 2 more skirts for dresses for N
and a super cute sheet to make some dresses
to hopefully try and sell in my shop)
and I also went to the post office
(which I try to never do with kids)
Anyway, here are the BEFORE and AFTER photos!
AHHHH!!!
Much better,
just wish the rest of the house looked
that clean and organized!
One project at a time I guess.
This one really wiped me out!
Next on the list,
moving Micah's clothes to his new dresser and
the kids toys....
I swear the toys have babies overnight,
anyone else experience this?
He's been building shelves and putting things away,
It looks so good in there and we have even MORE
room to park the cars now!
(which comes in handy with the expanding belly)
So he emptied a bookshelf that has been in there and told me
that I could use it in the laundry room to store the kids craft materials
and other items that were messily in place.
So, yesterday while I had the house to myself for the better
part of the day I took advantage and TOTALLY
cleaned and organized the laundry room.
I like the bookshelves so much better,
because now I can actually get to all the supplies,
and easily see what we have and what we don't.
No this did not take me the whole day,
I took little computer breaks,
I also went to Thrift Town
(got some 2 more skirts for dresses for N
and a super cute sheet to make some dresses
to hopefully try and sell in my shop)
and I also went to the post office
(which I try to never do with kids)
Anyway, here are the BEFORE and AFTER photos!
AHHHH!!!Much better,
just wish the rest of the house looked
that clean and organized!
One project at a time I guess.
This one really wiped me out!
Next on the list,
moving Micah's clothes to his new dresser and
the kids toys....
I swear the toys have babies overnight,
anyone else experience this?
Monday, April 12, 2010
hair clip and randomness
Quick post today,
I made this little hair clip for Naomi
(to match her new dress)
before church yesterday...
the kids were up earlier than normal,
(more on that later)
so I had more time!
So, I grabbed a quick photo
(or five)
of her right before bed,
thus the bad bathroom lighting photos.
She put her foot up and said,
"mom take my picture like this"
so I obliged.
Grabbed a few of the little man
and his little black eye,
and I mean little,
but it still makes him look tough!
Again, blurry but that's the bathroom for ya!
Totally looking forward to today.
Dropping the kids off at my sweet friend Connie's house.
Her husband is Greg's mentor,
and she's such an amazing woman.
Her daughter and granddaughter are in town from CA.
They have offered to have my kids come over and play
ALL. DAY. LONG.
She told me to drop them off around 10am
and then come back and have dinner with them.
AMAZING!
Greg will be in Austin for a few days for a
pastors conference so the timing is PERFECT.
Y'all know how much I LOVE my kids,
but having a few hours alone in my house,
is just what I need right now!
What will I do?
Organize? Purge toys?
move Micah's clothes to his new bedroom?
Sew? Blog? Paint?
NAP?
Only time will tell!
Hope you have a relaxing day too.
I made this little hair clip for Naomi
(to match her new dress)
before church yesterday...
the kids were up earlier than normal,
(more on that later)
so I had more time!
So, I grabbed a quick photo
(or five)
of her right before bed,
thus the bad bathroom lighting photos.
She put her foot up and said,"mom take my picture like this"
so I obliged.
Grabbed a few of the little manand his little black eye,
and I mean little,
but it still makes him look tough!
Again, blurry but that's the bathroom for ya!
Totally looking forward to today.Dropping the kids off at my sweet friend Connie's house.
Her husband is Greg's mentor,
and she's such an amazing woman.
Her daughter and granddaughter are in town from CA.
They have offered to have my kids come over and play
ALL. DAY. LONG.
She told me to drop them off around 10am
and then come back and have dinner with them.
AMAZING!
Greg will be in Austin for a few days for a
pastors conference so the timing is PERFECT.
Y'all know how much I LOVE my kids,
but having a few hours alone in my house,
is just what I need right now!
What will I do?
Organize? Purge toys?
move Micah's clothes to his new bedroom?
Sew? Blog? Paint?
NAP?
Only time will tell!
Hope you have a relaxing day too.
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