It's A Mess In Here!!

I'm leaving for my sister's this evening, and something tells me that it's not the best laid plan to leave a week's worth of mess behind me. My house doesn't generally look like this. I mean it gets it's share of messiness, but I'm seriously embarrassed by the number of days it's been since I've done the dishes. In my own defense, Levi and I have both been struggling with a never ending cold, but really, it's getting out of hand.
Oddly enough the photos make things appear cleaner than they are in reality. I'm starting to feel better about the mess already. ;)
Okay, so this next pic is of my studio/office/bedroom, and I will confess. It always looks this bad. The rest of my house generally stays under control, but this room just serves too many functions. It's on my to do list of giant jobs to tackle.
So, today will be spent cleaning. I'm trying to get happy about it. My general feeling is that if you must do something, you might as well do it joyfully. On occasion that's easier said than done.

I'm reminded of a song I sing to Levi: "Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere. Clean up, clean up, come on Levi do your share." He usually just wiggles his bum to the song while I do the clean up part. It makes me laugh which in turn makes cleaning more joyful.

Graffiti Love

I know it's not Valentine's day yet, but I'm totally in the spirit of it. I've already been decking the halls with hearts and dreaming about when Levi can wield a pair of scissors to chop out hearts of his own. Oh, the fun we're going to have. But, right now I'm kind of enjoying having control over the scissors, and obviously the drawing tools on the photo editor....

Gratitude and Miscellany

First, I want to thank everyone who left such sweet and encouraging comments on my last blog post. Thank you, thank you! I am truly touched by all of your kind words. What a wonderful way to kick off a new adventure in this little life of mine!!!
Now for miscellaneous Levi updates. Today was in the 70's--warm 70's. As in t-shirt kind of weather.
Yes, this is a pic of Levi outside, comfortably dressed in summer attire on a January evening. Hmmm. Tomorrow it's going to be below freezing. What kind of crazy weather is that?

The new rage around here? Stacking, of course. The little fella' has put two and two together and learned to stack 'em high. However, he became terrifically camera shy today, so all I got was this lousy picture of him about to put one block on top of another. Oh, well. Levi's highest tower thus far was 8 blocks high! The coolest thing about being a mom is that you actually get excited about a stack of blocks. I mean, really, when else in life do you get the privilege of getting giddy over 8 blocks?
Have I mentioned Levi's tool obsession? He goes through my tool box nearly every day, and genuinely tries to figure out the uses for all of those crazy objects. He's had some pretty good guesses thus far. I'm thinking with his new found building skills and love for tools, I might just have to put the little guy to work around the house soon. ;)

When He Shuts A Door....

He opens a window. Sometimes it takes a little shove in the right direction to see the open window, but I'm here to tell you it's so there!
A couple of weeks ago I got some not so fabulous news. You see, I'm self employed, and my work schedule is only planned out for 3 to 6 months at a time. Unstable, I know, but I like it and it's flexible--i.e. good for being a mommy. I thought that I had it planned out for the next 6 months, and it very unexpectedly fell through. At first it was just the next three months that fell through, but then the whole darn thing went crashing down. Eeeek!!! To be honest, I was already having a pre-crash nagging feeling that I needed to head in a new direction, but I made the mistake of ignoring said pre-crash nagging feeling. So, basically God was speaking, and I was dumb enough to ask him to speak a little louder. I'm sure we all know what happens when you ask God to speak up. Note to self: Listen louder!
Anyway, pre-crash this job as the children's ministries director at my church had come up for grabs, and I thought "Hmmm...that would suit me, but I really don't have the time." I had a million excuses, of course, so, I didn't apply, despite the pre-crash nagging feeling and the prodding of my mother. Then God sent me a memo in the form of my plans falling flat, so I applied. I got the job and also have plans in the works for other fun mommy friendly projects. Yay to windows! Who needs doors?!
P.S. I jest only because I've finally seen the window. I couldn't have had a sense of humor about it even yesterday. So, if you are currently in a door closing situation, just hold tight. God will show you a window. It just might take a little time. I'm still looking for the windows in other areas of life. Hopefully soon I'll get to blog about finding those too!

Twitterpated

Oh, how the Internet is dangerous! I've been sucked in, and I may never get back out again. It's official I have given in to the twitter bug. Will you twitter with me? I'm BabbleBird.

A Quilt And A Bird

As I was working on this (You might remember it from here) ...
I heard an unusually loud chirping. And, what do you know, a bird was trapped on my porch. Poor thing! I opened the screen door, so hopefully he will find his way out.
By the way, the two quilt blocks in the first pic are eventually going to be lap quilted together along with 5 other blocks that have yet to be started.

Morning Sweet

Quite Quotable

Recently, Yana posted one of her favorite quotes and encouraged others to follow suit. Tons of my favorite quotes are scattered all over my home--on cards, post it notes, journals, napkins. When I stumble upon a wonderful little gem I can't help but write it down. My favorite quote (at least this week's favorite quote) came from strolling around on the internet. I can't remember where exactly I found it, but I'm glad I did. It put a whole new perspective on my week. I hope it has the same effect on yours.

"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered."
--G. K. Chesterton

And what adventure in this corner of the world would be complete without some Levi cuteness sprinkled in?

It Must Be My Week

"Do you know that special blogger that somehow finds a way to make lemonade out of the lemons life hands them? They are that certain blogger that is grateful for what has been given to them in this life? I do! And that is what this award is all about!

Yet another lovely award. I'm feeling quite special this week! This one's from Crystal who is always whipping up some sweet aprons and baking drool-worthy goodies.
The Lemonade Award is generally passed on to 10 people who have shown a great attitude or gratitude this week, but, out of necessity, I'm changing the rules. I hear a baby stirring and a comfy, cozy bed calling my name. Lemons to lemonade kind of people are my kind of people. If I comment with any regularity on your blog then you're more than likely a lemons to lemonade kind of gal, so go ahead, don't be shy, snag this award for yourself!!!

Yay for Happiness!!

Amber from the Nutrients of Life gave me this very sweet Award, The Tree Of Happiness. I say "Yay!!" to all things happy. If you haven't checked out Amber's blog you definitely should. It's quite a lovely one.

Alright, so on to the rules...

Link to the person who gave you the award.

Post the rules on your blog.

List six things that make you happy.

Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.

So off we go:
1) The bear hug I get every morning, that quite honestly cuts off my air supply, but it's so darn cute. It makes me melt inside.
2) My family because of all the wonderful help they give me in raising my little fella'.
3) A good bargain really makes me smile. I've found quite a few lately...Robeez shoes for $2.50, really nice sheets for $15, a pack of eco-friendly disposable diapers for $1.90 (don't know how that happened).
4) Words of kindness and encouragement. In this fast paced world sometimes we forget to slow down and tell people what they mean to us. It's nice to be on the giving or receiving end of this one.
5) Wearing Levi. He's getting rather heavy. I've had to retire all but two carriers. The Bundleboo and the Mei Tai are the only one's that are still oh, so, comfy. I love that I can still wear him even though he's nearing 30 lbs.
6) Spring, which is just around the corner. I can nearly taste it.

Six lovely bloggers, who bring a smile to my face:
Damselfly who writes with humor and grace about the adventures of growing a life.
Leigh who has quite a beautiful blog with loads of marvelous inspiration.
Yana who has a lovely way of writing about things that make her heart go boom-boom.
Bek who is always sewing up beauty.
Hannah, a happy, homeschoolin' mommy to three lovely little ones.
Leanne who has quite a way with words and photographs.

Museum Adventures

We recently went on our second trip to the Museum of Natural Science. On our first trip, Levi "chatted" and pointed like it was going out of style, but he spent the entire visit snugly nestled in his sling. This visit was a whole different experience. He was all over the place, exploring like a true adventurer. And, being the friendly baby that he is, he waved politely at all critters be they dead or alive. Here he's waving to a flock of birds hanging from the ceiling:
The cleaning crew certainly had their work cut out for them. Levi smooshed his slobbery face against every aquarium in the place.A Children's Museum is being constructed next door to this museum. In between the two there's already a nice playground, and the whole thing is situated in a lovely park. I think the Children's Museum is scheduled to open in 2010. Yay! Just in time for Levi to really enjoy it!

Follow Me!!

I know, I know I'm terribly behind the times!! I am FINALLY adding the nifty little follow me gadget to my sidebar, and I'm actually beginning to follow others. Heavens to Betsy, I'm comin' out of the stone ages! This could be dangerous! :) I would be pleased as punch and oh so honored if any of you lovely readers would like to follow me. Go to the right and down a smidge to find the proper button.

He's A Mess And A Half!!

The cutest mess and a half I've ever seen

Spring Has Sprung....

Albeit a little early.The weather has been beautifully spring-like of late. However, I hear we have an Arctic cold front coming in. Yikes!!!

Levi Sweetness

I've been meaning to post this video for a little while. It's a bit of a slow week around here, so now seems like a good time. If you're breastfeeding-phobic then you might not want to click the play button. Although if I hadn't told you he was breastfeeding you might not have noticed.
Ever since cutting my hair Levi has been obsessed with it. In the middle of the night he'll reach over and hold on to it, he laughs a deep belly laugh if I fling it in his face, and he plays with my hair while he nurses which I think is the cutest thing ever. My haircut certainly meets his approval.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tag

Levi is currently napping, so I'm going to take the opportunity to play along with this little meme. Danielle from Wonderful Odds & Ends tagged me this time around. The rules are simple: Share six random things about yourself. I think I can do that one.

1) I love to read. I'm currently reading John Holt's How Children Learn. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. Next, I am considering rereading an old favorite by Wendell Berry, Life is a Miracle.
2) If I ever have another baby, I want a home birth. One hospital birth experience was quite enough for me.
3) I don't set New Year's resolutions. For me, they are too contrived, thus, bound to flop.
4) I have a fix-it list a mile long. Included but not limited to a few dings in my living room and bathroom walls, a broken window screen, holes in my screen porch, a wooden play oven that I found for FREE but needs some tlc, and the list goes on.
5) I love to take walks with Levi and show him the horses, plants, and creepy crawly things that inhabit our rather large backyard.
6) I don't like peanut butter. I know, I know, how terribly un-American of me, but I can't help myself.

If the fancy strikes, feel free to play along. I'd love to read your 6 random things. Let me know if you play along. :)

Fresh Flowers And A Work In Progress

There's just something about fresh flowers....These were leftover from the wedding. Still looking quite stunning and fresh.

And on a totally unrelated note, here are a couple of close up shots of an art quilt that I'm working on. You can't really tell much from it, but it's all that's finished or not so finished thus far.Hope y'all are having a lovely week!!

Sleeping Sweetness

These Boots Were Made For Walkin'

Of late, Levi has become fascinated by shoes. He enjoys chewing on them, hiding them, and, on occasion, actually trying them on. You can just see the wheels turning here: "Ah, so that's what these things do!"
A little help from the Nan.
Have I mentioned that he calls his Nana "Nan nan nan nan!" It's very similar to the way he refers to me. Except I'm "Ma ma ma ma ma!" And we are only ever called by name when he's angry and in desperate need of attention. He's also started saying "No" except it turns into a three syllable word when he says it--like "Na-oh-oh!".

Wedding Bells

Saturday I got the great pleasure of seeing my best friend, Kathryn, marry her soul mate, Rupa. The wedding was in the middle of nowhere, but I'd have driven anywhere to be a part of it. It was a beautiful day!
Here we are getting ready for the big event:
Did I mention it was outdoors in the middle of January? Luckily we're having a bit of a warm snap, or I think I'd have turned into ice.
You can't see me, but I'm behind the column to the left. This is the part where her daddy gives her away. That gets me every time. I had to hold back tears.
Of course, Levi came with me. Luckily the bridesmaid dress was nursing friendly.
They announced their engagement in November. They'd been dating for forever, so they didn't feel the need to wait too long. But, that meant I didn't have long to make their wedding present. Yikes!! I've been working on it every spare chance I got, and I finished it the night before they got hitched. Yay!!

The 12th Day of Christmas

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Matthew 2:2

The 11th Day of Christmas

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."
Matthew 2:10

The 10th Day of Christmas

"Be still, and know that I am God"
Psalm 46:10

The 9th Day of Christmas

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. "
Psalm 127:3