Day31:: All Done!

Well, I think I missed one day... in my own defense I did make it up the next. I enjoyed spending time with y'all this month and I'll try not to be a stranger because honestly my little "challenge" wasn't so "challenging" after all {but it would have been had I gone "wordless"}. You crazy web friends are such an encouargement to me and I thank you for all your kind comments and emails!

The sun is up again this morning. I'm so thankful for it. Justin is working all day today and left the house before 5 am. Those of you who are mothers know what a challenge that is... we live for the weekends. Ok, so I know we don't "live" for them... but we certainly look VERY forward to them. I'm still in my jammies but I may very well have to pull out my Happy Shirt today... I wonder how it will look with a turtleneck under it? :)

See this little man... I have made an observation about him. He might be kin to this little man...

If we were Asian I might even mistake that woman and her baby for myself and John Martin. I breastfed both the girls for 13 months and I fully intend to do the same with JM but let me tell you about my observations and you'll see why he's now sleeping in a different part of the house.

He can be completely content in the arms of his daddy, grandmother, or anyone {besides me} for that matter and if I {his mother and life support} come with in view he begins to fall apart. I've been observing this behavior for several weeks now. Last night my husband took me out to dinner, John Martin was kept by his grandparents and completely content until I walked into the room. He was not hungry... he had just finished a 7-oz bottle of breastmilk! I'm sure I'm not the only person on this planet who has recognized this behavior, it is probably documented in some medical journal under the chapter "Psychiatric Observations of Breastfed Babies". Anyway, the crying has continued and the quest to bring it to a screeching hault has also continued. He has been relocated to a room not within an "earshot" of his mother, who physically sweats in bed as she listens to him cry. For 2 nights now we haven't heard a peep, that's not to say he hasn't made a peep, we just haven't heard it! And I'm starting to actually sleep for more than 3 hours at a time, which I haven't done in 7 months. Thank you, Lord! It was starting to take a toll on my body... and my attitude!

Did y'all know I have a 4-year old named Morgan?

She doesn't like to sit still for pictures so I feel like she gets left off the blog a lot. Yesterday she posed for me. This is what she chose to wear. I was ok with it because she was so proud of herself. She said, "Mommy, you knew I'd choose this sweater because you know I love colors and it's so colorful!" Life's too short to dampen their sweet spirits. I did make her put on socks and shoes before going outside.

*************

My heart has been burdened for the Harrison family this past week. Their daughter Hannah Grace's health is deteriorating. Jarrod {her dad} is the office manager at our church. She had a brain tumor and it was surgically removed, followed by intense chemo, followed by a stemcell transplant last Sunday. Since then, she has been on a ventilator and as of last night the doctors are not sure if her bowels have stopped working or if they are dying. It is a very critical situation and her life is on the line. If her bowels are dying there is nothing medically they can do.

Please pray that her bowels will miraculously heal and begin functioning.
Please pray for Jarrod and Marci {and the rest of her family}.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgraceharrison

She just turned 3 this month. What a sweet angel.

Day 30:: Morning

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

I love morning.
We get lots and lots of sunshine in our house all day long.
It makes me happy! Very happy!

I hope the sun is shining where you are. What is your favorite time of day, besides naptime? :)

Day 29:: Long Post

I'm not sure whether I should laugh or cry when I see that my garage video has been viewed 1,173 times on YouTube. AND I should have put a little more thought into, "if you see anything you can't live without, let me know... we might can work out a deal". It would take me 2 weeks just to reply to your comments and emails. Y'all are cracking me... you did hear me say that most of what you see came from the trash, right?

So, as much as I'd like to haul the stuff to UPS and ship it to you... or sell it to you and wait for you to come get it... I just don't know if I have it in me to arrange for such arrangements {for lack of a better word}. For now I will attempt to get out there and organize it and you will be hearing more about my progress... and I'll be sure to give you a date as to when the sale will be taking place so you can arrange for your husbands to keep your children so you can drive to Alabama to buy stuff at my garage sale that I found in the trash! I promise I won't tell your husbands.

But to answer some of your questions {those of you who are really really interested}:
- the headboard is a King
- the lamps are wooden & I haven't decided if I want to sell them... but I'm sure my husband will make me... if I do, they will be "made over"
- the picnic table... there are actually 2 of them and they too are being made over
- the wicker chairs... I'm just not sure what to do about them. They are real wicker, with some signs of wear, some dirt, but overall: FAIR condition
- the brown slip covered chair behind the wicker chairs will also be for sale

I'm thinking I can pull this sale off sometime in February... I'll keep you posted.

I also want to let you in on a little secret...

I bought 4 more ENORMOUS {about 12' x 4'} bulletin boards this morning to makeover and sell.... homeschoolers and those with playrooms... get excited! We have 2 that I covered with fabric and I absolutely LOVE them! If I can collaborate with Erika we might be able to use some fanstastic designer fabric! I'll let you know how I decide to go about the selling of these... they will not be sold in the garage sale.

Thank you for all your kind words about the pictures of JM. I do not know how I will choose. I've watched that slideshow at least 100 times and melt into a puddle each and every time. The girls have seen it a few times too...

Also, do you make ciniminis? If the answer is "no" let me change that to a "yes"...

1 can of refrigerated "crescent" rolls.

Unroll and pinch together the seams between the triangles {you'll be left with 2 rectangles}

Spread butter over your two rectangles.

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Roll up.

Cut into ciniminis.

Bake on parchment paper according to directions on package... I think it's 375 for 8-10 mins.

Drizzle with icing.

Icing:

lots of powdered sugar

little bit of milk

dribble of vanilla

STIR.

The weekend is almost here!!!

ps- another post will follow with a list of people {mostly children} in need of prayer so that I can put a link on the sidebar...

Those in Need of Prayer...

I've had requests recently and in the past to link to those in need of prayer. Each of the links below are people who are in need of our prayers. I will put a link on the side bar over there --> so that people can just click there. If you know of a family in need of prayer please comment here and I will gladly add them to the list.

James 5:16 “…Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

http://kargfamilyupdates.blogspot.com/ : A little girl who is fighting for her life after surgery to repair her heart. She was a twin and her sister passed away in utero.

Patrick Garcia : Recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma

http://half12.blogspot.com/ : They have brought their 2-year old daughter {a twin} home because her cancer has doubled in size and no longer chemo-sensitive.

http://www.maxeyweb.com/: They have lost a child to cancer and now have a precious baby daughter who is also battling cancer.

http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/ : Cora passed away after a very short fight with stage 4 Neuroblastoma

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgraceharrison : Hannah Grace Harrison battling a brain tumor

http://treverjennaeva.blogspot.com/ : King Family quads

http://www.byrnebabies.blogspot.com/ : Byrne Family triplets

http://bassakward-tales.blogspot.com/ : Jamie Bass cyst found in spinal column awaiting results of MRI

http://jan-thesimplerlife.blogspot.com/ : Hannah Simpler epilepsy

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/ : baby Harper born with pneumonia

http://katherineawolf.blogspot.com/ : Katherine Wolf recovering from an AVM {cluster of blood vessels in brain} rupture

http://ashleybroach.blogspot.com/ : Lost one of her 18 month old twins to a brain tumor the day after Christmas

Day 28:: My Heart May Very Well Burst

I cannot talk about the garage sale right now, maybe tomorrow.

For now, my heart is so full it may burst.

Do you remember, I've waited 4 and 1/2 years to have professional pictures taken of my children.

The wait was well worth it.

Marla, you are one talented, creative, and kind woman.

Thank you from the deepest of deep of my soul.

It was an incredible experience. Peaceful. Calm. Enjoyable. Natural.

I am forever grateful.

Turn your volume up & see for your self: http://www.marlaandshane.com/darby

Day 27:: Get Rich Quick

First, when I do clean my floors {which is rarely} I do not do so on my hands and knees. That picture was totally staged because I could think of nothing else to take a picture of yesterday.

Speaking of cleaning...

This weekend I had a nice little conversation with Marla and Erika about how I could fund a new camera. We discussed which "get rich quick" scheme I would take to fund such an unnecessary but 'oh so coveted' purchase.

It's been decided.

I will have a garage sale.

You won't want to miss it.

My friend Becky did something similar on her blog with her basement... so I'm following suit and hoping my results are equally as impressive and that I can roll in enough dough for a new camera.

Would you like to see my garage? It can fit 3 cars, now it fits 0.

My husband will probably die.

Enjoy the tour...



By the way, contrary to the way it sounds I do not have a retainer in my mouth when I filmed this.

Also, everything is for sale with the exception of the flowered car seat cover. I know someone will want to buy it. Sorry folks!

Day 26:: cleaning

It is a good thing grown ups don't get on my floors. In fact, once I got down there I had a hard time getting up and I shouldn't get down there either. The young man and I arrived home to a bomb scene: clothes, dishes, laundry, blankets, toys. Thankfully the girls had a lot of fun with daddy... who wouldn't on a pallet on the floor? Ok, I totally shouldn't be staging pictures and typing this my house is screaming c o m e f i n i s h t h e j o b y o u s t a r t e d !

Day 25:: Still Here!

The little man and I are still here and enjoying ourselves. Although we're all bundled up above the weather has been perfectly mild. We're feeling well-rested and he's napping so well! We enjoyed an afternoon stroll and lots of time resting. I was browsing E's computer and found this picture from the summer of 2007 when she and Chance were still building her office. We went over there today and I could spend hours in there just browsing. She however, prefers to not be there on the weekends, so I was glad for a quick perusing of all her goodies... especially all her fabrics!

Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!

Day 24:: A Quick Get-Away

This naked jay-bird and I have escaped for a little R&R; our destination: MommaSissy's house! We're having a wonderful time. The last time I was here was October of 2007! Can you believe it? Insane, really, insane. It will not be a year and half before I come back. I guess that's what having babies will do to you... keep you homebound. Thankfully she's been willing to come see me. We had the wonderful privilege of spending a few hours with Marla this afternoon. She sent me this picture tonight to whet my appetite. Now I'm dying to see the rest.

Here are my top 10 favorite things about being with Erika:
-laughing hysterically
-catching up on life
-raiding her AWESOME candy supply
-getting her advice on design
-getting her hand-me-downs {2 boxes waiting for me in my bedroom!}
-laying on her sofa, drinking hot tea while doing nothing
-walking in her neighborhood on the bay
-using her face products {face wash, lotions, make-up, etc} her stuff is more fun than mine and hasn't been used by the Raiger
-being able to talk to Mom and Daddyboy at the same time in the same room
-drinking coffee together early in the morning

This post has taken me forever... Miss America is on and I'm slightly distracted by a sassy dance rendition by a young lady in an "apron" outfit and frying pan.

The picture above is by Marla Carter and used with her permission {and she says it's a "quick edit" but it sure looks good to me}. If you'd like to book him or her for the cover of Parents, Cookie, or any other major publication we're open to discussion.

Day 23:: Makin' Whoopies

I knew that'd get your attention!

Whoopie pies, oh my! My helpers... wait a second, can you call a 2-year old and 4-year old "helpers"... probably not, they're more like my "taste testers". So, my "taste-testers" and I have been in the kitchen all morning... makin' whoopie pies! We've had an absolutely delightful time but I'm now exhausted. Here are pictures of our adventure...

How hilarious is the Raiger? Demanding in both pictures that she get not one but "two of 'em". Never a dull moment around here.

To make your own adventure:

• 1 box Devil's Food Cake mix
  follow instructions on back of box ** except ** add only 3/4 C of water and ADD 1 small pkg of instant chocolate pudding
• Drop by small spoonfuls onto parchment paper lined baking sheets.
• Bake at 350 for 8-10 mins... to over cook is better than to under cook. Trust me! Mine took closer to 1o mins and then I let them cool on the hot baking sheets. If you take them off too early they are gooey gobs of mess!
• Let cool completely on parchment paper.
• Load 'em up with buttercream frosting and for fun you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top!

I know true Whoopie Pies don't have buttercream frosting but I attempted 7-minute frosting {the marshmallow-y kind} and well it was a total disaster... I'm blaming it on the humidity. You could fill yours with Marshmallow Fluff... but I didn't have any on hand and that stuff is hard to spread.

******************************************

Those stars indicate a sudject change... at least on my blog they do!

Do you feel like the older you get the better you know yourself and recognize your little quirks? I really do not like to shop. Gasp! It's true. Fortunately, my sister is not only design savvy but also fashion savvy and happens to pass down most of her clothes {that she likes to shop for} to me. You will more than likely never, ever, ever see me at the mall {unless I'm doing a return or exchange} but on any given day you can find me at any SUPPLY STORE. I have a SUPPLY STORE weakness...
art & craft supplies
restaurant supplies
office supplies
teacher supplies
Seriously. My most recent favorites being the teacher supply store and restaurant supply store. During the 15 minutes I was in the teacher supply store last week I almost decided I needed to homeschool my children... it was that influential! Next, the restaurant supply store... remember those mugs? Well, yesterday I went back for some more and absolutely was held hostage by these jadite green cafeteria plates! I got 6 divided plates and 6 little bowls {I can only imagine that they would be sitting in any cafeteria line holding jello cubes or banana pudding!}. They unfortunately weren't as cheap as the mugs but I love them because they have nothing on them. Why on earth does our culture think that children's plates and utensils must have Disney princesses on them? I have a bone to pick with those folks. The bike is bad enough... but we will not eat over Ariel's face any longer.

Happy Friday, friends!

Day 22:: Flower Power

I searched & searched for a 'fabric flower tutorial' to no avail. I found several that weren't exactly what I was looking for. So, I decided what the heck... just make your own...

1. Cut scraps of fabric into flower shapes {going from big flower to small flower}. You could probably use a stencil but I was in a hurry so mine are all a little rough.
2. Dip flowers into a bowl of watered down Elmer's glue.
3. Place wet flowers on drying rack.
4. Let dry.
5. Layer flowers.
6. Stitch the flowers together.
7. Glue buttons on top.
8. Attach to barrette clip in the same fashion you would the bow.
9. Place in daughter's hair!

Day 21::Mugs & More...

First, T H A N K Y O U ! What an awesome response to yesterday's post about Patrick. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers for such a wonderful young man. His family was humbled and grateful to read through all your kind words, prayers and comments. The biopsy went well and unfortunately it is "the best of the worse". It is cancer:: Hodgkin's Lymphoma. And while the family is devestated and heart broken they are also very grateful that Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer with good cure rates. I'm not sure they know the stage of Patrick's cancer but there is hope for complete remission... and that is what they are praying for. They will allow his body 4 or 5 days to recover from surgery and then begin with the chemo/radiation regimen to kill the cancer.

Second, every time I post I laugh at myself: "One picture a day and few to no words." What was I thinking? I am so incapable of that. I didn't even really try. So, instead you get one to two pictures everyday and lots of words! I hope you all are ok with my failure. I find it laughable.

So... the mugs. I've always wanted "diner mugs" and now I have them! I love them so much I figured they were "post-worthy". We are hosting a small group in our home on Monday nights... I could think of no better reason to finally buy the mugs of my dreams. Thick and heavy, sure to keep your coffee warm and they just plain feel good to hold! I looked online for these babies but wasn't willing to fork over $5 each. These came from the local restaurant supply store for $1.25 each. Score!

John Martin. This child that I love is still killing me. It's really in his favor that I find him so unbelievably irresistible, otherwise I'd find a baby bootcamp and send him for a week. Look at those lips. Ahh.. kissable. Anyway, we're still hoping for some sleep soon. One tooth has broken the surface of his gums and I'm hoping that now we will have some good sleep... until the next tooth rears it's ugly head! Thanks for continued prayers for him. He is still crying it out and I'm sweating it out!

Day 20:: Patrick

This is Patrick {and his beautiful wife & their Golden's}. He is a friend of 18 years. He's been having some back pain. The doctors found a mass behind his heart in his chest cavity. Today at 2 pm EST they will biopsy the tumor for further testing. Would you please join me in praying for this young man, his wife, and their families? DaddyBoy {that's my dad} spoke with Patrick last night {who's been in the hospital for a few days} and his spirits are high... he is holding tight to the truth of James 5:16 “…Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Will you consider leaving a comment letting them know you are praying or a word of encouragement?

Day 19:: Zip It Up

I have feared a zipper for far too long. I came across this lovely little tutorial and thought, "I think I can do that!" If you too suffer from "zipper fear" fear no more. Follow her steps and you'll have yourself a little zipper bag in no time flat! This little one was whipped up just in time to wrap it up for my sister-in-law's birthday gathering last night.

Day 18:: Heart-y & Hoarse

We had some heart-y smoothies this morning and followed them this afternoon with some hearty nachos. I'm bound and determined to eat from the pantry and everything on the nachos came straight from the shelves of our pantry {except the cheese of course}: tortilla chips, black beans, rotel, and jalepenos... smother in cheese and broil on LOW. Just be sure to explain to your two-year old that jalepenos are "spicy" not "hot". She picked one up and said, "not hot" and proceeded to put it in her mouth. It didn't stay there long! I like to top mine with a big dollop of sour cream!

In JM news... the young man has nearly lost his voice. I assume it is a combo of drainage and screaming. But it's sure to tug at my heart strings. Thankfully he's sleeping soundly in his bed now and had another decent night last night! Thank you, Lord! Hope each of you are having a blessed weekend. We've been doing a whole lot of nothing and for that I am very grateful!

Day 17:: Sola fide

This post is probably going to take me hours to write. I know what I want to say but I don't know how to wrap my brain around it and put it down. Yesterday after I posted my fire my heart was sad. I was mad at myself for bragging that I built a fire. I know, sounds a little silly... but to me it was real. What I didn't post was that for every time I actually hit the logs with the ax I missed 6 times and that post chopping my back was sore. I started this blog 2 years ago for my parents because they only get to see my children about 3 times a year. Clearly I'm aware that a lot more people read it besides my parents. In fact, I'm not certain my parents even read it. So, what is my purpose? I read this article this morning by Tim Keller. It's about humility. Am I humble? Do I even have the ability to be humble? My heart is in a tangle this morning. I want to be real. I want to blog. I want to share things with y'all. I want to share life, ideas, grace, cheesy little tutorials... but what I don't want to do is "think of myself more highly than I ought." How do I do both? I don't know. Keller says "the problem is too big for practical solutions." Keller also says in his article "humility is only achieved as a byproduct of understanding, believing, and marveling in the gospel of grace. . . So let us preach grace till humility just starts to grow in us." Grace I get. It's what saves me. Sola fide! Do you know how freeing that can be; the realization that I completely fall short. Nothing that I can do or say can keep me from Him. Praise the Lord... and pass the tambourine! And let's marvel in His grace together this weekend!

No comments allowed today, sorry! Someone would probably say nice little lies happy things like "you are humble!"

Day 16 {take 2}:: Who said?

Who said mommies can't split wood in their jammies and build a roarin' good fire! Of course, I'd rather Justin take this role and responsibility... but in chilly desperation I've proved I can do it on my own. The children have shifted from our bedroom to the family room... who can blame them?

Day 16:: Do They Know?

As I type all three are nestled in my bed {waiting for the blueberry muffins I'm about to make}... I often wonder if they know just how much I love them? I hope that each of you find a warm cozy place to snuggle today {and something warm to drink} and that you too will feel loved.

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10

Day 15:: It's a SNAP

There's a cold snap coming. I'm fearful that my lovely little rose bushes are going to croak. I pulled this little beauty off yesterday {along with a couple others} and several of my bushes have lots of new growth. Any rose gardeners out there want to advise me as to what to do? Let 'em freeze? Cover them up? Cut them back? We're in the deep south and I planted them last spring, there are 6 bushes and do you remember their beautiful blooms? I'd be a sad lady if they froze to death... the forecasted low tomorrow night is 16.

In other news... d r u m r o l l p l e a s e... John Martin slept 6 hours straight last night! I'm almost embarrassed to report it because clearly at 6 months old and 18+ lbs he should have been doing this long ago! I hope to report such news on a regular basis. He is still a touch under the weather... for those of you with bambinos suffering from nasal congestion I suggest this...

Day 14:: Never Ordinary

Barbie was waiting for me this morning, tucked ever-so-gently between the oven and its handle. I do love life with children, every day is new and never ordinary. Thank you for all your kind words, encouragement, prayers, and advice for the hornet. He cried A LOT yesterday and last night, but I feel so encouraged and confident that he will sleep well soon! Last night I spotted him sporting these tortoiseshell glasses {upside down of course} and couldn't resist a quick picture.

please pay no attention to the disgusting baby cereal caked on his jammies

Day 13:: I Confess...

Perhaps hornet here is only half the problem. The other half is that his mother is a total PUSHOVER! I can't help it. I cannot stand to hear him cry. He's screaming so loud right now in his crib that our dog is barking {outside}. Not to mention that when he screams in anger he scratches his head until it bleeds. We spent the morning with our pediatrician {of whom I have great respect and adoration for; she's a mom of 3. Have I told y'all I prefer female doctors for myself and my children?... I'll save it for another day}. Anyway, my kind pediatrician has recommended that this child learn to sleep; for his health and development. In order for him to sleep he will have to cry. Lord, please let him learn quickly and painlessly with little damage to his head and my tender heart!

G O D S P E E D M Y P R E C I O U S O N E !

Day 12:: Yesterday

I missed a day. My body is WORN. That's what the title was going to be yesterday, but I didn't get to it. I recognize my natural tendency towards being "a glass half-empty" person so I try to keep things peachy, rosy, sweet, and fun around here, however, these last few days my youngest child is getting the best of me. He doesn't sleep much. Add a stuffy nose to that. Lots of snot. And 2 small teeth that are hiding under his gums... and well, he's a little hornet and I'm his prey. He's stung me with his venom and I'm praying soon that I will recover. He slept a little better last night... praise the Lord.

artwork by Morgan of a "Juggler" {with a catepillar}

Day11:: As the Deer

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after you
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship you

You're my friend and you are my brother
Even though you are a king
And I love you more than any other
So much more than anything

You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship you

A. Martin Nystrom

clearly I couldn't find a deer to photograph, spools will have to do

Day 10:: Version B

What you saw on Day 8 will be Version A and this will be Version B. Apparently my first post on the apron pattern was clear as mud. I am going to write a pattern for these 2 aprons. The one featured today has an inverted center pleat. The pattern for both Version A and Version B will also include children's sizes! That's where I was going with the BOGOF. I think I lost y'all there... probably because it's not really a BOGOF! Remember I don't sleep for many consecutive hours. I will not be selling the aprons, just the patterns. Although, if the price is right... anything is for sale {that's what DaddyBoy taught me!}. My hip-dweller had to be in this one... as no one was around to assist me; just John Martin, me and the self-timer. Will you please take note of my clean counters? Thanks.

Fabric sources: Pop Garden by Heather Bailey for FreeSpirit & That's It Dot {in Cherry} by Michael Miller.
Which I found both at a relatively local shop... it's a fabulous shop located in an old hardware store... if you're local and want details email me. I'd love to send her your business. Her selection is unbelievable!
And a special thanks to Tami for her assistance with this one!

Day 9:: The Raiger Strikes AGAIN & more...

Clearly y'all have recognized I can't go without words. I'm trying to use fewer but OBVIOUSLY "none" is not even an option.

My day started by preparing our home for some fun out of town visitors, while I prepared our home Paige was getting ready too {clearly unbeknownst to me, until she walked out "caked-up"}. It was caked in her nostrils too.

the crime scene:

the criminal:

Do you know how hard it is to discipline a child after you tell them to be still so you can take their picture to share their mischievousness?

The rest of the day went much better...

The marshmallows would make great Valentine's... either on a stick or paired with hot cocoa packets!

Happy Friday!