Everyday Blessings

A few blessings from my week...

: : 4 year old slapstick and ensuing 20 month old laughter.

: : Snack time on the patio.

: : My little boy so excited to go to church.

: : My husband telling me how beautiful he thinks I am (despite the fact that I've already gained as much as I did in my whole pregnancy with Sophia).

: : Seeing Sophia play ever so sweetly with a baby...there is hope!

: : Only 2ish months to go before we meet our new baby.

: : Looking forward to the week ahead...gardening is on the agenda.

Happy Monday!

Sunday

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
    slow to anger and rich in love. 

The Lord is good to all;
    he has compassion on all he has made.

~Psalm 145:8-9

Weekend Loves

A few good things...

: : Lemony Cucumber Salad...my newest craving.

: : The Boy With No Toys...we might just be downsizing a little more after reading this.

: :  Possibly the cutest baby sweater pattern ever.

: : DIY fabric puzzle.

: : And, in dream land this is my sofa.

Happy Weekend!

Eleven

The lovely and soulful Corinne has tagged me in a bit of a meme. Remember those? It's been awhile since I've even laid eyes on one in the blogosphere. Whatever happened to them?
So, here's how it works:

Post the rules 

Answer 11 questions the tagger posted for you 

Create 11 new questions to ask the people you tag 

Tag 11 people 

 Let them know you’ve tagged them

1. When you think of childhood, what comes to mind? 
My mom always being willing to play on the floor with us, and my dad showing us snakes and wild edible things. Also, books. Lots of books.

2. What is your current favorite song? 
Um...does Wheels On The Bus count? Totally joking, but really Able by Needtobreathe.

3. What are you reading? {online, offline, magazine, book... what strikes your fancy today?}
Elizabeth Zimmerman!!! Knitter's Almanac and Knitting Without Tears. Oh. my. How did it take me so long to get around to these?!

4. You're giving the choice of having a maid or a personal chef... which one would you choose? 
Well, that's a no brainer...a maid. I am a terrible housekeeper. Just ask my husband. I guess if I didn't knit so much our house would be cleaner, but I wouldn't be very nice to live with.
 

5. Coffee, tea, or both? 
Tea. Multiple times a day. Preferably accompanied by knitting. I'm cliche like that.
 

6. What is your secret for a happy life? 
Jesus. Seriously. Reading my Bible everyday and reading our Jesus Storybook Bible to the kids every night helps me to remember that there is a purpose far greater than my own. When things get dark I know there's a light around the bend, and I know that I never walk alone. Also, I try to practice daily thankfulness even if all I can manage in a day is to be grateful for the way a shadow falls on a certain wall or the way my children smile at me. Gratitude has a funny way of stacking up and becoming an incredibly healing force. My Monday Everyday Blessings posts are an extension of that and an attempt at keeping me focused on the good stuff of life.

7. Favorite smell? 
Normally, I would say something like honeysuckle in the heat of summer or wild roses in the spring. However, since getting pregnant I've become obsessed with the smell of Seventh Generation's lemongrass and thyme cleaner. This may just be the key to improving my housekeeping skills. I clean the counters now just for the smell. Strange...especially for a girl who buys everything fragrance-free.

8. What is something you are looking forward to in the future? 
This baby being born, so I can dress him/her in all those hand knits I've been working on. And, moving. We plan on moving sometime in the next year. I'm looking forward to sunlight. Our current yard is so shaded that even grass won't grow. Kind of a bummer if you like to grow your own tomatoes.
 

9. What is your comfort food? 
Ice cream. 
 

10. Are you an introvert or extrovert? combination of both? 
Introvert. I really like people, but it doesn't take much before I need to go home and knit.
 

11. Where is home? 
Wherever my family is...but hopefully not below the gnat line or above the Mason-Dixon. There's such a thing as too hot and too cold.

11 new questions:

1. What's your favorite season and your favorite thing about it?
2. If you had to leave your home quickly what 2 items (besides family, pets, and necessities) would you take with you?
3. What makes your heart smile the biggest?
4. What's one of your favorite quotes?
5. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
6. It's midnight, and you're hungry. You can have any food in the world. What will it be?
7. Tell us one thing that we likely don't already know about you.
8. Where are you most comfortable?
9. Why did you start blogging?
10. Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
11. What's your favorite flower?

11 people tagged:

Amanda @ Naturally Chic Mama
Erin @ Swonderland
Stephanie @ Metropolitan Mama
Holly @ Tropic of Mom
Lindsey @ Joyous Mummy
Leanne @ Homemade Rainbows
Theresa @ Red Oak Lane
Kate @ Upside Down Kate
Dera @ Casablanca
Alyssa @ Longing for Simplicity
Yana @ Heart Go Boom-Boom

Thanks for tagging me, Corinne! 

Everyday Blessings

Just a few blessings from my week...

: : Breakfast with friends.

: : The impossible smallness of baby clothes.

: : Yummy and beautifully plated food made especially for me by my wonderful husband.

: : Sewing time with my little fella.

: : Playdate fun.

: : New yarn...wound and already on the needles.

: : Relaxing family time.

: : Trim that much closer to being finished (Oh, renovations, when will you end?).

: : Fun mail.

: : A full but happy week.

Sunday

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

~ 1 John 4:7-8

A Tiny Break

Just blogging to say that I'm not blogging for a little while. Being pregnant and taking an unannounced break usually lands me with emails and texts asking if I'm okay, so I'm announcing it to avoid worrying anyone. And, I'm okay. I'm just feeling the urge to knit and drink tea and then go tackle my busy weekend. I should probably fold some laundry too. Oh, the glamor.

Happy Weekend, Y'all!!

A Late Night Date With The Little Fella

Last night Levi couldn't sleep, so he came into my sewing room and chatted while I piddled around. We had some sock monkey fabric earmarked for pajama shorts. He passed me pins and asked 500 questions while I sewed. He grinned at the finished result and put them on as fast as he could. Then he asked me if I'd teach him to sew.
 

I cut two squares, and he sat in my lap helping me guide the fabric. In the end he had a matching set...pajama shorts and a bean bag....

I do believe it was a dream come true for him. Since Sophia quit napping (at 15 months!!!!), Levi hasn't gotten as much mama time as he was used to. He's been incredibly gracious about it, and I've tried to squeeze some in here and there. It's hard with Stephan's work schedule to do anything regularly, but maybe we've found the solution in an occasional late night spent with mama.

Everyday Blessings

Some blessings from the past week...

: : Itty bitty baby hiccups.

: : 10 weeks left to go and baby perfectly positioned...head down.

: : Sophia 'singing' her heart out.

: : Two (almost) always willing helpers running around me.

: : Laundry...clean, folded, and put away. Oh, wait, what's that? It doesn't stay that way? Sigh.

: : Levi's excitement over mama-made pajama shorts.

: : Sophia's new word, "Oooooos". Can't y'all tell that means 'shoes'? She's a gal after my own heart.

: : And, my husband sweetly picking up the slack for this tired, pregnant mama.

Happy Monday!

Sunday

If you, LORD, kept a record of sins,
   Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
   so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
   and in his word I put my hope. 
~Psalm 130:3-5

Pinspired

Sophia has discovered her love for chocolate...which is a tad unfortunate for a gal who is allergic to milk and corn (an ingredient in most vegan chocolates). Never fear, though, we have managed to find a few yummy recipes that are totally Sophia friendly, and the rest of the family happens to love them too. Our current favorites are...

Creamy Chocolate Fudgsicles 

Chocolate Mousse Frosting

And, Healthy Homemade Fudge

All of these are super simple recipes that are fun for the kids to help with. 

You can find these and more of our family favorites on my Tried and True Pinterest board.

What are your favorite chocolatey treats?

Weekend Loves

Good stuff...

: : In my dreams Stephan would totally spring for this dollhouse and all the cute (and expensive) furniture that goes with it.

: : Joy In The Congo...so beautiful I cried. (found via Leigh)

: : This parenting article.

: : I finally took the plunge and made my own deodorant (I used lavender oil instead of grapefruit). I love it...really and truly.

: : This quilt...loveliness.

Happy Weekend!

I've Created A Monster

A manicure monster. Until a week ago, trimming Sophia's nails was a two person job. Needless to say, it rarely got done. And, then suddenly she decided one day that she wanted her nails trimmed....and painted....just like mommy's. How could I resist?

Hot pink baby toenails! Eeek! The cuteness nearly kills me. She shows them to everyone, and when they get chipped she insists on more paint.

Don't worry she hasn't forgotten her spunky tomboyishness. This is her showing Levi a beetle....

Yes, she is holding it. Yes, he is trying to blow bubbles on it. And, yes, she is half naked.
She is also saying, "Buh, buh, buh." (Sophia speak for 'bug').

Sigh. Somehow I find all of that (even the beetle holding part) terribly endearing.

Cutest Bonnet Ever And Other Easter Photos

A friend of mine made this gorgeous bonnet for Sophia....

I don't know why, but I didn't think it would go with her Easter dress. I was so wrong. They looked perfect together.

Of course, by the time we got to take photos Sophia had had enough of bonnet wearing....

I love this spunky little goofball....

My dad went to the sunrise Easter service and then to work. He got back after we had already eaten lunch, but Sophia decided to have a second lunch with him. She's always up for more food. It was obviously a casual event.

Levi was at his dad's for Easter, hence his missing presence in photos. We did all the egg dying and Easter presents the day before he left, so Easter Sunday was pretty low key for us. Stephan was actually off of work, but the second we got back from church he changed clothes and ran outside to try out a new axe. It's no wonder Levi refers to himself and Stephan as lumberjacks. This is, in fact, the only photo I have of Stephan from Easter....



Glamorous. I know. It's okay, though. I married him for his kind and loving spirit not for the photographs. ;)

Hope y'all had a beautiful Easter!

Everyday Blessings

Just a handful of things I am grateful for this week...

: : My God whose love is never ending and who sent His one and only son to redeem us.

: : A peaceful and happy Easter celebration.

 : : The smell of wild roses.

 : : Painting Sophia's nails for the first time...squeal. Having a daughter is fun.

 : : A few more organization projects checked off of the nesting list.

: : A visit from my sister.

: : Time spent with friends.

: : Sunshine, sunshine, and more sunshine...it's good for the soul.

: : 29 weeks.

: : Handmade goodness from a friend.

: : Levi's newest declaration: "Look, Mama, the bubbles are going up to heaven. There will be soooo many bubbles in heaven. It'll be full of them."

: : And, last but not least, listening to and watching Stephan and the kids play....oh, my heart.

Hope y'all had a very happy Monday!

Sunday

"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."
~1 John 3:16

Pinspired

I've been meaning to try dying eggs naturally for a couple of Easters now. When I spotted this pin I knew this was the year. Better Homes and Gardens has a nice, printable list of natural dyes. We tried red onions, paprika, turmeric, red cabbage, beets and grape juice. At first I thought it was going to be a flop of muddy colors, but it turns out that some of the colors don't really show up nicely until the eggs dry. I loved the results, but I'm not sure I want to commit to doing it yearly. It took a lot of prep work. There's a strong chance that laziness might hit next Easter in the form of me buying this Eco-Kids natural egg coloring kit.

Have you tried natural dyes? What's your favorite? I was pretty smitten with the red cabbage (it turned the eggs a lovely shade of blue).

Weekend Loves

Lovely links...

: : Stephan has forbidden me from adding these lambs to the last minute Easter to do list, but aren't they adorable?

: : The Sakura Bloom Grape Crush Pixie sling is on my want list. So pretty.

: : Fabulous ideas for a backyard play area. This one especially.

: : I'm in love with these scrappy quilts.

: : And, here is such a good list of chapter books for little ones.

Happy Easter Weekend, Y'all!

Sophia-isms

Sophia is at that fun stage where she regularly comes out with new words. When I took this photo she was saying, "At, At!" Meaning, of course, "Hat, Hat". 

"Be" is her all around word for food. It started out meaning bread (preferably with chocolate hazelnut butter on it), but it quickly became all purpose. 

Important words must be said with intensity, so "daddy" turns into "Da-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!" And, "eat" involves putting two clenched fists in the air, doing a sort of halfway squat, and saying, "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"No" is definitely her favorite word of all....surprise, surprise. I think that comes with the territory at this age. She says it to everyone....even to the cashiers when we're checking out.

I know this is just the tip of the iceberg. A language explosion is coming up soon, and I am so looking forward to that. I remember marveling at all of Levi's new words and the quirky ways that he put them together...still does really. I imagine that no matter how many kids I have this part will never get old.

Do you have any favorite -isms from your own children?

Egg Hunting

Our church held an Easter egg hunt Sunday afternoon. Levi was so excited about it. This was our conversation the day before:
Me: Hey, Bear, we're gonna go to our church's Easter egg hunt tomorrow.
Levi: Oh, like trick-or-treat!!
Me: Um. No, buddy. Like an Easter egg hunt.
Levi: Okay!! I'll wear my dragon costume!
Me: Baby, people don't wear dragon costumes to Easter egg hunts.
Levi: Oh...well...I'll wear a cowboy costume then.

I was resigned to the cowboy costume when he surprised me and opted for jeans and a "church" shirt which is what he calls all button up shirts...

Sophia, on the other hand, had no idea what was going on...

She collected pecans just as avidly as she did eggs...

They both enjoyed their spoils. Thankfully, my kids are slow at these things, so the candy intake is seriously small.

Sophia is actually allergic to most candy, so I did a switcheroo in her basket. She got fruit gummy bunnies.

Afterward there was some post hunt playing...

Of course, the climber couldn't resist...

BawBaw spotted her, but she climbed to the top all by herself.

Look of triumph...

I'd say a good time was had by all.

Everyday Blessings

A few blessings...

: : Easter egg hunting...Sophia's first.

: : Kiddo joy over spending the night with Nanno and Baw-Baw.

: : Morning snuggles.

: : Queen Anne's Lace bobbing alongside the road.

: : First Flicker sighting and the friend who solved the mystery of 'what is that bird?!'

: : So much sunshine.

: : Kids fascinated by baby daddy long legs spiders.

: : A tiny baby growing, growing, growing and kicking all the time.

: : Hello, third trimester. I do believe that growing baby will be here before we know it.

Happy Monday!

Sunday

"I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer."

~Psalm 120:1