LiFe {unscripted}

the four of us

Nope, this wasn't taken on Easter Sunday.  It was actually taken a couple of Sunday's ago. 

This was, however, as dressed up as we got yesterday on Easter Sunday.  I had grand plans of making it to church Sunday morning.  I was quickly reminded that life with a newborn is unpredictable, and we were still not dressed or ready by 11AM.  We did make it out of the house by 2:30 for lunch at my grandparent's house.  The four of us.  Making our way in this life.  Figuring it out as we go. 

Maybe next year we will make it to Easter Sunday service  - and hopefully a bit more dressed up than this ;) Although, if you ask Adam, he IS dressed up in this photo - LOL.

Thanks for dropping by :)

Her Nursery: A Colorful Canvas

Fair Warning - this is a super photo and text heavy post.  I'm most indecisive when it comes to choosing the right photos to display baby girl's nursery. 

Okay, so you've been warned :)  Lets start the tour.

I will start by telling you that this room used to be orange.  Like bright orange.  Anyone who has been to our house knows that I LOVE paint color.  Bright, bold, paint colors.  But when we found out we were expecting, I decided to go in the opposite direction.  I wanted a white slate, and mostly I wanted the painting done before school started back - that timing meant that I could not chose pink or blue because we were not going to find out the sex until October.  So I went with bright white and decided it would be fun to incorporate every bright color with decor. 

First up, the alphabet wall. 

This little project (okay, BIG project) started out small.  I was just going to make an "abc" and maybe a "123."  And then came the d, and e, and well, after those, I figured I better just do the whole alphabet.  And so just 3 weeks shy of my due date, all 26 letters were complete.  You know, nothing like adding a little crafting stress to getting her nursery done.  Anything for her, right?! All kidding aside, I am now super happy they are all done. But I do hope that she will learn her alphabet by the time she is 12 months old.  No pressure, kid ;)

They were all made using this method that I have posted about before. 

I decided to put them up on the wall behind her crib since it's the largest wall in the room.  Also, I didn't plan on putting a mobile over her bed, so I thought these would do the job of entertaining her.

Her crib was gifted to us by a dear family friend.  I wanted to keep the bedding simple, and use the quilt that I made her with just a colorful fitted sheet for a pop of color.  The sheet is from Target and can be found here.

Next up, the chair.  This was one thing I did not budge on having in her room.  A comfy chair.  And because we were gifted her crib, we decided it would be okay to splurge a bit on a comfy chair.  It's a Lazy-Boy Claiborne swivel-glider and is just as comfortable as I had hoped it would be.  We bought it in red so that we can later move it to our living room once she outgrows her room. 

On the chair is the other quilt I made this past summer before we knew she was a girl.  And the other quilt was made several summers ago when I first started quilting...this girl will never lack in quilts, that's for sure.

The tassel garland above the window was made by one of my best friends.  She made it for my shower and after the shower I knew exactly where I would use it in her nursery.  I love the colors.  I believe she used this tutorial (scroll down a bit) to make it. 

Next, the changing table wall.  I posted a while back about Adam making her changing table.  It's probably my most favorite part of the whole room - even though I know we might end up changing her 90% of the time on our bed or wherever is closest (smile).  I made the banner almost exactly a year ago for a baby photo shoot I did of an adorable baby girl.  I knew one day, it would get more use. 

The changing pad cover is from Land of Nod- the yellows don't quite match her curtains, but the pop of color is exactly what I wanted.  The baskets are also from Land of Nod.  I've bought some of these before for scrap supplies and knew they would be handy and durable for her changing station.  I put diapers, bath supplies, washcloths, swaddle blankets, and onesie's in them.  Lord knows I will need some form of organization when she gets here. 

The framed artwork pieces were three items I've known I would put in her nursery from the time we found out we were expecting.  The ABC print is one of mine from Bacon Lettuce Tomato, the middle colorful park scene is my favorite from An Open Sketchbook, and the Henry (dog) was actually made using my Silhouette cutting machine...I wanted her to always know her big brother, Henry. 

I bought these embroidery hoops a super long time ago from ebay after seeing this idea on Pinterest.  I just used different fabrics from my stash to put in them for pops of color.  The kiwi clock is from Etsy.  It was a gift to me from Adam this past Christmas.  He got on my Etsy and found my favorites page - little did he know I had favored this clock with her nursery in mind. 

This photo shows her closet (which is already too small!). It had an accordion folding door, but I decided to take down the accordion door and cover it with a curtain instead - again for more color.  

On the same wall as her closet, is actually a door that goes to the porch.  I wanted to make it look more like a window, so I made another curtain panel to cover it.   I used this curtain tutorial to make all four curtains - the fabric is from ebay. 

We decided to go ahead and put a t.v. in her room - more so for my entertainment since I think I will be spending lots of time in there feeding her. 

Her dresser was actually mine growing up. My grandpa stripped and re-stained it to match her bed and changing table. 

This piece of artwork was given to me from my mom this past Christmas.  I cried when I opened it because I loved it so much.  Both the sentiment and colors were perfect and I immediately knew I would share it with my daughter. 

This embroidered piece I found at a flea market - like WAY before we were even expecting.  WhenI found it, I knew that someday it would be perfect framed in a nursery.  It's the prayer my mom used to say with my sister and I before bed.  The frame was given to me by one of my best friends.  It fit perfectly. 

And I'm pretty sure this whole post would not be complete without her big brother, Henry.  I've been telling him throughout this whole decorating project that this room will be his as much as it will be hers.  I truly hope with all my heart that he will be a protective big brother to her and always watch over her and not be scared of the sounds and new smells that might come from this room from time to time. 

I think this is actually the first interior decorative thing I have ever envisioned and brought to life.  I drew these sketches this past summer and gosh, it's been fun watching it all happen in real life - with a few alterations and changes.

It doesn't seem real that in two weeks or less that she will be here. 

We may never be prepared for the impact she will have on all our lives, but I'm glad to say her room is prepared and ready for her. 

Thanks for dropping by :)

 

Our first family photo of 2013

 

Taken just a couple minutes after midnight.  The three four of us, hanging out on our friends couch watching the New Years Rockin' Eve show.  Henry was sandwiched between us after a fireworks show that was quite traumatic for him.  Turns out, he does NOT like bright lights or loud noises.  Poor, sweet boy. 

If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen this photo.  It wasn't until a couple days later when I saw it again that I realized the photo had caught all four of us.  Notice the magenta flower in the bottom right corner?  That's my ever growing belly.  Still seems funny to me when I notice it in a photo like this one, but neat just the same.

Our first family photo of 2013. 

Thanks for dropping by :)

 

an update

Time is passing so fast and yet SO slow at the same time these days. 

I'm ready to meet this little girl in my belly, and yet, I'm sort of feeling the need for more time as a family of three.  More time to prepare for her.  More time to enjoy lazy day naps.  More time for he and I to just be us.  It seems selfish but I know I can't be the only expectant mom to ever feel this way, right?!

As for preparing for her - we are well into her nursery.  We were gifted a crib from a very special person  - and it is absolutely lovely.  Adam immediately started putting it together the very night we brought it home. 

I was no help at all, but luckily, he didn't mind.

Two weekends later he started her changing table.  I feel so very blessed to have a husband who is a talented wood-worker and craftsman.  I mean truly, so blessed. 

I chose a picture from a magazine, and he figured out the specs and got to work.  We decided to go with oak so it would match the beautiful crib. 

And last weekend, the changing table was stained and ready for the final clear coat. 

The proud papa.

I hope that baby-girl realizes how much love her papa put into making this for her.  And I also hope that she will one day appreciate the long line of craftsman that she comes from - Adam's grandfather and dad are both master wood-workers and craftsman. 

Meanwhile, during the month of November, I finished butter bean's "girlie" chevron quilt.   I am glad that one got marked off the list!  I must say that the third time using this pattern was MUCH easier than the first and second time (smile).  Practice makes perfect enough for me. 

This is definitely NOT the best pic - but it's what I had on my iphone.  Of which, has become my go to camera (laugh).  Her nursery has white walls, and will have lots of pops of color when finished.  The white walls make my former scrapbook room look WAY bigger.  Er, maybe it's the fact that all my scrapbook stuff is now relocated in the spare bedroom.  Yup, that's probably why. 

This sweet boy is just as perfect as ever.  He snuggles with me when pregnancy hormones get the best of me.  He hops and wags his tail when he sees me every afternoon.  And he is being such a good boy when it comes to the Christmas tree.  So far at least - there aren't any presents to tear into underneath it just yet. 

And my favorite reason to get out of bed early has still be these tasty treats breakfast items.  Adam finally decided on his last trip to the grocery store to just go ahead and buy the FAMILY size box, as one box per week was just not cutting it. 

I go for my glucose test tomorrow. Hopefully exercise has helped keep that sugary syrup (Mrs. Butterworths, to be exact) from effecting my glucose levels too much. 

I'll keep you updated.

Thanks for dropping by :)

THE cutest Hotdog

This sweet boy is ready to help hand out candy to all the trick or treat visitors tonight :) 

This is the first costume that he hasn't tried to destroy five minutes after we put it on him. 

I'm thinking it has to do with it not having a head piece attached like his costumes in the past - Lobster and Kitty Cat.

...which made our photo shoot super easy.  Don't worry folks, we didn't give him chocolate - we strategically placed a sweet potato treat next to the chocolate!  This one was on take three (smile).

Henry says it was almost as tasty as the treat he is wearing (wink, wink!). 

Happy Halloween!!!

Love,

Henry & his humans who think he is THE cutest Hot dog around.

I worry...

I wrote this stream of consciousness one afternoon in early September during my conference period.  It had been on my mind for weeks at this point, and I just felt the need to express it.  Get it out on paper.  Cope with the worry that was troubling my heart. No thoughts on correct punctuation or spelling, just thoughts that were (and sometimes still) weighing on my heart. 

It reads:
"I Worry...That Henry is going to feel left out and lonely when the baby gets here.  That with a new baby, Adam and I will find it tough to make the time to play with him.  That we will be preoccupied and just so busy and so tired.  That I will cry the first time and every time I realize that I haven't made the time to play.  That Henry might not sleep on the bed with us or want to be cuddled like he does not.  Because of the baby.  That he might not like the baby or worse hurt the baby because he feels replaced.  I worry that the baby will be afraid of Henry and they will not have a relationship.  I worry that this all sounds silly.  "He's a dog," people will think or say.  But to me Henry is not just our dog.  He is our first baby.  He is our baby and always will be.  With feelings and real personality."

I truly believe that Henry was brought into our lives for a reason.  That just a four pound ball of fur was meant to be in our home four years ago.  He was meant to teach Adam and I lessons in parenthood..in responsibility, in compassion, friendship, love, and caring for something with basic and emotional needs.  And Henry was brought into our marriage to show us the kind of parents we will both be.  It is something so special and makes my heart melt when I hear Adam talking to Henry about "when he was just a wee pup..."  So special to hear him refer to him as "sweet pea" and "buddy," and always wave goodbye to him when we pull out of the driveway.  Taking him for walks each night - rain or shine because he knows that Henry looks forward to it everyday.  Having Henry has shown me in so many ways that I married a man who will be a wonderful Papa to our kids.  He already is with Henry. 

And so you may say that "he's just a dog," but to me, I am his mama and he is my baby.  My first born.  He may not be able to tell me with words that he feels left out or lonely, but I hope with my heart of hearts that he will not feel that way when the baby gets here.  I hope and pray that he will always know the love in our hearts that we have for him now and especially after the baby gets here. 

As I type this tonight, tears are streaming down my face.  It could be the hormones.  But it's most likely because I truly just love my Henry.  That four pound pup that was placed in my arms four years ago has grown to twenty pounds of pure love and joy.  Twenty pounds that has my whole heart and always will.  And I could not imagine him or us any different for many years to come.  

Thanks for dropping by :)

long weekends

This labor day weekend was spent perfectly. 

Poolside with friends and a feast of brisket and ribs for dinner on Saturday.  Followed by a Bean bag tournament win!  Go Team Prego - the only one not drinking, I bet early on that my team just might come out on top (smile).

And family time on Sunday.  I just love my family.  Everyone being around my grandparents kitchen table sharing funny stories, catching up, times when everyone is talking at once and my grandparents sitting back and enjoying the fact that all of their kids + most of their grand kids were there.  I would not trade my family or those moments for a million bucks.  Not ever.

I left that evening and the song "Stop this Train" by John Mayer popped in my head.   I just had to listen to it.  The lyrics at the end,

"See once in a while when it's good
It'll feel like it should
And they're all still around
And you're still safe and sound
And you don't miss a thing
'til you cry when you're driving away in the dark."

That's my family.  That's those moments that I will forever cherish. 

I may be fifteen weeks pregnant and super hormonal/emotional, but that kind love for my family will always be in my heart (sniff, sniff).

And then I got home to this sweet boy who, btw, had his very first beef rib bone and LOVED it so much he ate it in less than 20 minutes. 

I just could not help but smile and bust out of my emotional mood.  I mean look at that face and his happy content smile.  A little dusty and dirty around the edges from playing in my grandparents back yard, but still so very cute to this proud mama.  My little Happy Henry-Camper. 

Thanks for dropping by :)

matchy-matchy, Mama and Henry

This is from last week during teacher in service.  When I got home that afternoon I realized that Hen (I've been calling him Hen a lot lately...a nickname that just came to me this past summer) and I were matchy-matchy.  Perfect time for a photo op.  I set up the tripod, got the camera remote and started snapping.  Hen was not very cooperative as he was ready for me to go outside and kick pecans to him.  We did manage one that didn't look like this blur, though, so I can't complain. 

His Cesar Milan dog collar from Petco was my inspiration for my outfit that day.  Go figure (laugh). 

BTW, I made it through my first day back at a new school.  It was a fast and furious blur.  I'm looking forward to getting to know my students (and co-workers) better as the week/months go by.  It was an overall success...even the part where my second period class and I made a grand (late) entrance into the assembly. 

When my principal called my name to introduce the new faculty, they realized me and my class were not there (blush). But the applause and warm welcome as we walked into the full auditorium was kind of cool int that weird, "oh my gawd, everyone is staring at me" kind of way.  I waved and smiled on the outside, but on the inside I was mor-ti-fied.

Luckily, the principal got to the next new facutly member and the same thing happened. 

It's tough being the new kid, but nice to know I was not alone.

Good times, good times.  Making memories...

and grand entrances.

Thanks for dropping by :) 

 

Monday Currents

currents:
time: 9:47 a.m.
location: outside on the back porch.
watching: Henry play outside the gate and search for Butters the cat.
eating: Chobani Greek yogurt in strawberry banana.
wanting: to get my Chevron quilt finished today.
needing: to start thinking about lesson plans for the first week of school.
creating: a drawing I started Saturday morning and things for the nursery.
thinking: about this baby.  Names, decor, schedules, plans, onesies, the list goes on and on.  How very blessed we are.  Also about when I will start showing and feeling less like I'm just bloated.  I am 13 weeks today, so I'm ready for a bump, people (smile). <----watch I will probably regret that soon (smile). 
wondering: about school clothes and what I should buy to get me started this year.  Preggers or not, fashion is still a priority for this girl.
excited:  for several things on the horizon for the fall (not including the bebe!), and how cool it is that if you truly wait - like have some serious patience -  and ask God, He will answer and open a door. 

Oh, and since I really love posts with pictures, I just have to share this one of my sweet (and studious!) butterbean.

Thanks for dropping by :)

soaking it in

Since this past weekend, I feel like I have really been trying to soak in the last few days of being at home.  I realize, especially in these last couple of weeks, how blessed I am to have a job that allows me to be at home for nearly three months out of the year. 

Last weekend, we barely left the house at all...and it was glorious.  Adam and I are both self-proclaimed homebodies (surely I've mentioned that before here).  We enjoy having a weekend of nothing on the calendar, just time at home. 

He did this

You know, just replacing the tile in the guest bath.  No biggie. 

Of course, he finished it by Sunday.  Oh my husband.  He enjoys time at home to work on the house <---I do love that about him.

I spent oh, about three hours in the kitchen making this

A pina col ada cake with a pineapple-lime filling in the center, and homemade butter cream frosting.  You know, just something that sounded good.

After baking I finally got around to feeling like scrapbooking again (after moving all my schtuff to the guest bedroom), and finished this layout

One that I started a while back.

And then, on Saturday evening, this thought came to mind: "Hey, why not start a quilt!" 

You know, cause doesn't everyone want to try making a quilt on a Saturday night?! My first try at a chevron quilt.  I didn't like it, so of course, tried it again yesterday

Henry and I decided that the second one was our favorite!

I'm truly trying to soak.it.in. people.  Time with this sweet boy, watching Netflix episodes of the Office, and actually LIVING in a home that we work so hard to keep.  A home that seems like I rarely see in the the light of day after school starts back. 

And so, today, after a quick errand run, I will continue my soak with my sweet Henry by my side.

Thanks for dropping by :)