Pinspired

A few weeks ago, I found this velcro popsicle stick idea on Pinterest. It was too simple not to give it a try, and now it's become one of our most played with toys. All it requires are popsicle sticks and adhesive velcro circles. Pop the circles on the ends, and you're good to go for endless fun.

What good stuff have you been inspired by lately?

Weekend Loves

Some lovely links...

: : 15 new lemonade recipes for your summer enjoyment.

: : Quickly pickled veggies...pretty too.

: : Printable Easter egg dominoes.

: : Simple kiddo fun.

Happy Friday, y'all!

Us

This almost never happens...

We should stand in front of a camera together more often.

The Same But Different

Really, things haven't changed much in the past couple of years...

Levi still loves to "listen" to the baby's heartbeat.*

He might also occasionally talk loudly about placentas in public, and he keeps telling me that he wants to be there to catch the baby.** We joke that he will be the first male midwife in Mississippi.

*No, he can't actually hear the baby's heartbeat through a regular stethoscope, but that doesn't stop him from trying.

**His desire to be there when this baby is born is endearing. However, he's a very sensitive little boy, and I am very vocal when giving birth. I think it would terrify him to no end. He will likely be swept off for an outing with Baw-Baw when the time comes.

Everyday Blessings

This week I'm thanking God for...

: : Whole days spent outside digging in dirt.

: : New life springing up.

: : Flowers thrust into my face by small hands.

: : A sweet boy teaching his sister to ride a tricycle.

: : Sunshine soaking into our souls.

: : New words spoken by a small yet spunky voice.

: : An escape to the cypress swamp.

: : Homemade popsicles waiting in the freezer for tomorrow.

: : The sewing machine getting a little use after months of neglect.

: : And, a husband who is kinder than words could express.

What have you been blessed by this week?

Sunday

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."
~John 14:27

Pinspired

In case you haven't guessed, I'm totally hooked on Pinterest. I spotted this bow board tutorial on there a while back and couldn't resist. I used a standing frame instead of a hanging one and hot glued the fabric and ribbon directly to a piece of cardboard that fit the frame. I didn't have any suitable ribbon on hand, so I took some quilt binding, ironed it in half and ran a stitch along the edge to keep it flat. It worked perfectly.

Have you gotten any inspiration from Pinterest lately?

Weekend Loves

A few happy links for your weekend...

: : A sweet bunny finger puppet.

: : Ten ways to keep Easter about Jesus.

: : Levi's new favorite book.

: :  Jared Flood's knitting patterns. I'm currently knitting this one.

: : Shoes...in my dreams.

: : Delicious vegan brownie batter pancakes.

Happy Weekend, Y'all!

Where Babies Come From...According To Levi

Levi: "Sophia, would you like a new baby?"
Sophia nods head yes.
Levi: "Okay! Let's get one from mommy's heart!"

Everyday Blessings

Some blessings...

:: A very restorative evening to myself.

:: Squeals of joy upon my return.

:: Flowers picked just for me.

:: Small pudgy hands collecting twigs and rocks and leaves.

:: Smiles that turn my heart into a giant puddle.

:: Chocolate covered faces.

:: The smell of sunshine in Sophia's hair after she plays.

:: A growing pile of hand knits for our new baby.

:: Casting on for more baby knits.

:: Pretty fabric waiting to become curtains for my girl.

:: Levi's fervent belief that I can indeed make anything he dreams up.

:: And, Levi's newest declaration: "Mama, I want the baby to be a girl like Sophia, and I want it's name to be Levo....Leeevoooo."

It's been a good week. How about yours?

Sunday

"We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. If
 your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

~Romans 12: 6-8

Pinspired

I spotted this toddler sewing kit on Pinterest awhile back. Their use of non-slip drawer liner as "fabric" is simply genius. It is perfect for little hands trying to get the hang of stitches. I cut a circle of the stuff a little larger than my embroidery hoop and popped it in. Then I tied a plastic needle to one end of a length of embroidery floss and a button to the other end. You can barely make out the button in the picture above. It just keeps the floss from slipping through the hole. Levi has been playing with this for a few weeks now. He loooooves it. Of course, I love that he is digging sewing.

Have you been inspired by something you spotted on Pinterest lately?

Weekend Loves

Links I'm loving right now...

: : In case you haven't gotten the memo, St. Patrick's day is tomorrow. I've been lazy on the celebratory front, so there's not a lick of green decor in our house right now. I had planned on making a garland out of these, but now I'm thinking we'll just have green smoothies and call it a day.

: : I am nuts over this chickpea salad. It's simple and so delicious.

: : This tabletop redo is inspiring me. I'm eying my fabric cutting table as I type. Hmmm....

: : We met some friends at the art museum today and spotted these bath toysin the museum store. They don't have holes for water to get trapped in...a mama's dream come true. They'll be hitting the kids' Easter baskets this April.

: : I'm really liking this sweet baby quilt. Maybe for this new little one? Guess I should finish Sophia's quilt first!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Weekend Y'all!

The Best Part

Licking the bowl.

It was vegan batter, so no one has to worry about salmonella.

Problem Solved

Our laundry 'room' has been a major source of angst for me since moving here. It's just a walk through to the carport. There's no hanging space at all. Until yesterday, I was hanging clothes up in the bathroom....not so cool considering the humidity level in there. Then, I had a stroke of genius! Love those. It finally dawned on me that a curtain rod would be just right, so yesterday Stephan installed one. It keeps the clothes separated enough to dry, yet it still keeps a flat profile so we can walk through without dodging coat hangers. I love it. No more shifting wet clothes around so people can shower. I can't say that this has brought a love of doing laundry to my life, but at least my laundry room is a happier place now which definitely makes me a happier mama.

Do you have any favorite laundry (or organization) tips?

25 Weeks...The Bump

This weekend I hit 25 weeks! I'm in disbelief. The third trimester is right around the corner. I remember time being so much slower when I was pregnant with Levi. Two kids later, and that's just not the case any longer.
So far, I'm feeling good. A little tired, but who wouldn't be after keeping up with two little ones? The healthy, leafy green cravings have subsided. They've been replaced with cravings for ice cream and Reese's peanut butter cups. I just stumbled across this fudgsicle recipe on Pinterest. Sounds like a delicious and (Gasp!) healthy way to curb this intense need for sweets. Considering the 80 degree weather we're having, it's definitely not too early to break out the popsicle molds either.

Everyday Blessings

Some things I'm grateful for today...

: : All the rain that was in the forecast got pushed back, so we had a nice weekend with pretty weather.

: : My sister came up from school. It's been awhile, so it was especially good to see her. The kids, of course, went nuts over their Aunt Annie.

: :Springing forward does nothing good for this mama's sleep, but my sweet husband let me sleep in this morning and he just took the kids for a 'give mama a break' outing.

: : The kids and I have been watching the birds enjoy the Spring. They've been hopping all around our yard. Okay, so truth be told, I watch the birds. Levi is way more enamored with the squirrels. "Mama, I'm going to catch one soon." I'm glad he's slower than they are.

: : Stephan's week on week off schedule can feel a bit stressful, but it's oh so very nice to have him around for a whole week at a time.

: :  We had an appointment with our midwife last week. Baby is kicking away with a good, strong heartbeat. All is well.

Happy Monday!

Sunday

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

~John 1:14

Weekend Loves

We have a fun weekend planned despite the forecast of rain, rain, and more rain, so I'm extra happy to see this Friday roll around. How about y'all? Any fun weekend adventures planned?

Here are a few links to get Friday off to a good start...

: : I'm slowly switching over to safe cosmetics. The Skin Deep Cosmetics Database has been a great help. I recently tossed my old nail polish and traded it out for Acquarella in Prissy.I looove it...dries fast, no smell, and it didn't need any touch ups for a week!

: : When I had Sophia I swore I wouldn't try to add barrette making to the crafty to do list, but these are sooooo tempting.

: : I definitely think this bow board will be made soon. The bow collection just keeps getting bigger and bigger now that she has enough hair.

: : Here is a post with links at the bottom to some good ideas for keeping a Christ centered Easter.

: : This is a great guide for handling tantrums and meltdowns.

: : And, here is a list of breastfeeding-friendly children's books.  (There are also more book suggestions in the comments.)

Happy Weekend Y'all!!

Asleep

I miss the days when Levi would drag random stuff to bed with him. The drill just might have been the funniest of them all. These days it's rare for him to take anything more than a book to bed. 

The other day, though, he found the hat from his first Halloween. He was so excited about it and asked a million questions. He squeezed it onto his head and wore it half the day. When night came, he grabbed it once again and said, "Mama, I need to wear my pumpkin hat to bed. It will keep me warm." 

Sometimes when he's sleeping I can still catch a tiny glimpse of the baby he used to be. Not that I'd trade my big boy for the world, but in those moments it's nice to remember.

And, just because Sophia is simply lovely when she sleeps...

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

Fearless

There are times when her fearlessness and determination scare me, but I try hard to bite my tongue and let her be. She seems to have a driving need to climb everything in reach and an even greater need to get back up after she falls. Stephan says he's going to teach her to rock climb someday. I'll be the one with my feet firmly planted on the ground, holding my breath, and snapping photos.

Everyday Blessings

A handful of everyday blessings from my week...

: : Signs of Spring popping up everywhere.

: : A fun evening church program for the kiddos (fun for the grownups too) followed by a night spent at my parents'. The kids were beside themselves with joy.

: : A thrifted rug for Sophia's room.

: : A loving husband who calls just to hear my voice.

: : The steady click of knitting needles.

: : A growing belly.

: : Kiddo snuggles.

Happy Monday!

Sunday

"But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge."
~Psalm 94:22

Weekend Loves

Hi there, Friday.
I think time sped up when I hit the halfway mark in this pregnancy. It seems like I turn around and yet another week is gone. I'll be 24 weeks tomorrow! Cannot believe it. Well, enough about that. Onto the links...

: : Loads of kiddo science experiments.

: : Natural Easter egg dying. This year I will do this!

: : Sweet knit bunnies...here and here. If you're more into buying than knitting...here and here.

: : Whipped up a batch of coconut oil moisturizer last night. Love it! Also, it was great entertainment for the munchkins.

Happy Weekend, Y'all!

Nesting Has Hit My Knitting Basket

You know that nesting is happening full force when I organize my knitting basket. I should have taken a before photo. I had my stuff randomly piled into two baskets....already finished patterns, projects in need of blocking, 7 needles no longer in use, leftover yarn, and even a couple of kiddo toys were tossed into the mix. It's no wonder I bought new markers recently. Hard to find such tiny things in such a big mess. I even found a little bag to hold my knitting notions and a tiny box for corralling those itty bitty markers. No more hunting around.
Note that there is only one project in there. That must be remedied asap. I try to keep the chaos down by only working on two to three projects at a time, but I think one is a bit too minimalist. I enjoy switching back and forth a bit. The other day I bought some pink yarn. Everything that I've made for this baby has been very boyish looking. My attempts at gender neutral were a complete flop. I'm thinking a few girly items need to be thrown into the mix just in case. But, now, what to make? I've made a couple of these, and I bought the yarn thinking I'd make another....

                                                    Source: ravelry.com via Madeline on Pinterest

Cute, no? But, then there's this sweetness...

                                                   Source: ravelry.com via Madeline on Pinterest

And, if I spend much more time on Pinterest and Ravelry I'll likely find 200 more strong contenders. I have trouble making decisions sometimes.